Try to ignore millercarbon as he is typically very negative and condescending.
@big_greg - Well, you pretty much did a lateral or step-down move as you said. I'm not surprised that you didn't hear any difference. In actuality, the 8802 is a better processor because it has a larger main power supply and the audio output stages are all on individual boards with better isolation and localized power supply capacitors. The only thing that the 7704 really gave you is some extra/newer bells and whistles.
@old_marantz - I have had the Marantz AV8804 in my system and was very impressed on what it did. It's pretty much the same as your AV8802, but with some newer features. It had very full sound and very powerful impact. For what it costs, it's an excellent device. However, it is "voiced" as a Marantz, which means it's on the warm side and has softened high frequencies. If you are looking to get something with more high frequencies and more excitement, an upgrade/switch can get you there.
Like lxgreen indicated, a Trinnov Altitude 16 would be a significant upgrade in clarity and excitement of sound. However, a used McIntosh MX-160 could be another possibility. Both would have more clarity and high frequencies than your Marantz.
