Looking for amp $1000 or under

Ron, I think that is your problem. I did that long ago, my Preamp was in the shop being upgraded and ran an Integra receiver pre out to an the McCormack DNA and was unlistenable. Just weak and bland, no soundstage. If you have under $1000 to spend on new amp I would start with a new preamp. Are there any audio shops in your area that would let you home demo a preamp to confirm this may be your issue just for your piece of mind.

I'm going to try that thanks for your help.
Ron D

Sounds like a good plan. Your PS Audio has an input impedance of 100k. Usually good rule of thumb to start off with is 1 to 10 ratio when picking a preamps output impedance . Just tell the shop you are demoing a preamp your amps input is 100k. If they won't let you home demo bring your amp to there shop. Once you determine marantz Preamp is your problem find a nice used tube Preamp to match with your hca2.

OP. Have you considered an integrated amp? Lots of good stuff out there in that price range.

you might want to check out the 2 channel monoprice monolith amp. made for monoprice by the very respected amp company ATI. really good specs and a 5 year warranty with 30 day trial period. I’m considering this one myself.