the m-117 is a good step up from the receiver . This power amplifier is the warmest ss amp I have listened to , this includes many m and l series ands , including their lab. reference series. Some are a touch more articulate but none warmer , like silk.
I drive a set of Platinum Audio Duo's with this amp , really power hungry speakers ,and it is a magical combination. Not super fast on the attack , but you can listen to it forever.