DENON PMA-1500AE or MARANTZ PM7001

The very best choice from what you mentioned is the PM7001KI amp - without a doubt! The choice is tougher between DENON PMA-1500AE and MARANTZ PM7001... I happened to have heard both of them: the Denon seemed to sound to my ears very refined yet a little soft and polite, whereas the Marantz - while being cheaper - had a more 'together' and 'right' sound... I think I personally would go for the Marantz - they truly have done wonders with their latest budget ranges - hats off to them...