Help choosing Marantz integrated amp upgrade

"And not get suggestions from strangers on the internet about what speakers they already have or want to have. All being seldom the right speaker for you."

I get that, but looking at the other options presented here, I stand by my statement 100%. Of course you should demo first, but I can't imagine not upgrading from a pair of $325 Polk speakers that use plastic tweeters, to something like a Model , making a bigger difference. The Vandersteens are on a different plane of existience.

Not only that, there's no gaurentee electronics purchased now are going to matchup with new speakers purchased later on. To not recommend a speaker upgrade, in this instance, would be irresponsible.

To not recommend a speaker upgrade, in this instance, would be irresponsible

I agree sfall, but why does it have to be your Vandersteen Model 1's?
Also, the OP said he is thinking about putting off the amp purchase and may concentrate on new speakers instead.

But to emphatically say...

Keep your electronics for now and just upgrade your speakers to a pair of Vandersteen Model 1's.

Leaves very little room to audition anything else.  I am sure the Vandersteens are very nice speakers, but that doesn't mean they are the right speakers for the OP.  He should audition as he can.

Agree with sfall too here... i crossread and ignored the words polk rti....
Upgrading the bookshelfs here should be the priority.  Plenty of options for the price of a marantz integrated.

"I agree sfall, but why does it have to be your Vandersteen Model 1's?"

They're not mine. I own different models. However, one of the main reasons I recommend Vandersteen, is that they are so transparent.  You can make them sound however you like, so its easier to recover from a mistake. For someone that doesn't have a lot of experiance, this is critical. Too many people walk away from high end audio in frustration. If they at least get some of the system right, there's a much better chance they won't give up.

"Also, the OP said he is thinking about putting off the amp purchase and may concentrate on new speakers instead.

But to emphatically say...

Keep your electronics for now and just upgrade your speakers to a pair of Vandersteen Model 1's.

Leaves very little room to audition anything else."

That was my advice. I have no control over what the OP demos. The reality is, most people that visit this site, don't demo products before they but them, regardless of what they say.

"I am sure the Vandersteens are very nice speakers, but that doesn't mean they are the right speakers for the OP. He should audition as he can."

I agree, but looking at the other options presented, I wanted to imply there was no doubt I was telling him to do the right thing. Also, if a mistake was made somewhere, its fixable with a speaker like the Model 1's. Try and fix a system based on B&W's, Magnepan's, or any of the other countless train wreck designs on the market. It was a judgement call on my part meant to make the OP pause and consider other paths. Do you really see him running down to his local Vandersteen dealer and buy speakers without first consulting the forum? Its not likely. Besides, the OP asked for our input in no uncertain terms.

"Curious if anyone has input, suggestions, or, considering those three upgrade paths, if I should abandon this track."

Let’s not get carried away here guys. There’s a reason I never recommend speakers. That is because speakers are generally such a personal preference that you could definitely miss the boat of what the OP expects from a set of speakers.  Also, that there are a 100 different opinions on what the best speaker is. The OP did mention that he was going to look into Totem Acoustic, Wharfedale and Kef speakers. Let him listen to a number of speakers. Then, if he has a specific question on a speaker, I’m sure he’ll post it in the speaker subforum. I definitely have my own opinions on what I think is the best solution overall, but I answered the OP’s question as asked without trying to push another idea or brand on him.