I find the Marantz Reference line a bit laid back. If you paired it with a brighter speaker, it probably would seem more lively. Like something from Kef. Musical Fidelity is neutral to slightly forward and will be a bit more lively. You were happier before. What speakers did you use previously?
Don’t worry about the number on the front of the amp. It is not worth worrying about. You should expect to have to turn the volume up more on the turntable, especially if you are using a lower out MC cartridge.
You could switch to more forward sources. What cartridge are you using on your TT? That might be worth changing. That is a great CD player and it sounds like that is less of an issue.
If ultimately you are interested I would take your Marantz on trade + cash for the M5. Save you the hassle of selling it. Personally, I would tweak though.
Don’t worry about the number on the front of the amp. It is not worth worrying about. You should expect to have to turn the volume up more on the turntable, especially if you are using a lower out MC cartridge.
You could switch to more forward sources. What cartridge are you using on your TT? That might be worth changing. That is a great CD player and it sounds like that is less of an issue.
If ultimately you are interested I would take your Marantz on trade + cash for the M5. Save you the hassle of selling it. Personally, I would tweak though.