I'm buying a pair of Martin Logan Clarity speakers. I have tried both integrated amps and 5.1 receivers in my price range and found the amps to be superior for music, which is my primary use case.

I have auditioned Marantz pm7001 and Denon 697 and preferred the Marantz. My budget for the amp is $600. I would be willing to go upto $800 if I知 getting something much better.

I have a couple of questions:
1) What are other good amps in my price range that I should listen to before I decide?
2) The store where I知 buying the speakers carries only Marantz and Denon. How do I audition other amps with my speakers? Other stores do carry other brand amps but don稚 carry the speakers I知 looking at.

And just incase anyone else is interested, there has been a $800 drop on the price of martin logan clarity speakers. I believe they are going to be discontinued, so this is kind of a clearance.

Thanks,
Kz