In article .com,
"EB" wrote:

I currently have a Marantz 4320 receiver connected to CSW Tower II's.
I am happy with this set up for the most part (my listening room is not
ideal, but not bad), especially the speakers. But I am curious to see
if getting a better amp will improve the sound noticeably, but I want
to keep the experimenting to around $1,000. The Odyssey brand looks
interesting, will have to contact them as the website doesn't list all
their product.

I see that your receiver has preamp outputs, a 'direct mode,' and is
rated at 80 watts. Although I've never heard a Marantz receiver, it
would take a big jump in amplifier power to make a noticeable
difference, assuming a reasonably small room and competent amps.
Similarly, it would take a good preamp to improve on a 'direct mode.'
You can try engaging and disengaging the 'direct' to see if it makes
much of a difference to you.

There's a Marantz integrated in your price range that might be an
improvement if the advertised '25 watts in Class A' means anything.
I'd guess integrated amps from NAD, Rotel, Arcam, etc might be more
refined and used high-end (Bryston, for one) can be a good value, but
maybe you should be looking at better speakers: Paradigm, B&W, PSB, etc.

Stephen