Marantz PM 8003 v Rotel or NAD sperates

After reading your 2nd post, I realized that I didn't fully understand your first. Now that I do, I can't see how anyone could answer your question in any meaningful way. You have the NAD and Rotel separates and used to have the 8003. Its highly unlikely any of us has ever owned this combination of gear. If you're having a difficult time evaluating these components, how can any of us do better? At best, we would just be guessing.

I think you would sacrifice sound quality. I have an 8500 and a variety of separates from McIntosh, Acurus,SAE,ATI,others. I bought the 8500 to try a modern integrated. I like it but its different than the other gear. Less warm and more sterile. Better detail but it has less presence. I think the tradeoffs made in design and cost for an integrated disadvantage it atthe lower price point. I think you would need a higher value integrated to come out ahead.

Have you considered some of the Yamaha offerings?

Some with built in DACs like the A-S701, A-S801, and some straight analog like the A-S1000 and A-S2000. I have the A-S1000 which is a 48.5 lbs powerhouse driving a pair of Klipsch RB-75's and I could not be more pleased.

An NAD C375BEE or C375DAC may be options?

Bill