Marantz PM 17SA v PM 8003

I have no doubt it is a higher standard . I am just worried about it not doing justice to rock and blues.

Don't quite understand your concern. Since you worked in the audio biz, then you know that there is no difference between the 60 & 70 wpc. In fact, I checked the specs and both units are rated at 100 wpc into 4 ohms. So, their power amp sections are almost identical.
And since the PM 17sa is built to a higher standard, why wouldn't it sound better?

Correct. Not a power issue. Some pieces are voiced to be more laidback Some more dynamic I have owned or tried Creek, Marantz, Vincent, Cambridge, Bel canto Luxman, NAD ,Adcom ,Rotel, Anthem ,HK , Tandberg and on and on Two of the most music,rich real sounding units that I have had, flaws and all an NAD 7020 receiver (ie 3020 amp) and the Exposure 2010S.
I am going to give the Marantz a try.

"In fact, I checked the specs and both units are rated at 100 wpc into 4 ohms. So, their power amp sections are almost identical."

Nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, its possible that the 2 amps may be very similar, but there's absolutely no reason why they can't sound completely different. There's no way that you can tell what an amp sounds like just by looking at a spec sheet.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, its possible that the 2 amps may be very similar, but there's absolutely no reason why they can't sound completely different.

I believe that was exactly my point. I thought I was pretty clear meaning their power OUTPUT sections are almost identical so go with the amp that is better built as it is bound to sound better. As a Marantz Reference owner, thanks for reaffirming my point. Maybe I can do the same for you someday.

" I thought I was pretty clear meaning their power OUTPUT sections are almost identical so go with the amp that is better built as it is bound to sound better."

Your point is clear. It just doesn't make sense. If they're almost identical, then why would they sound different? Also, if they're almost identical, then why would the build quality be different?