Congrats on your purchase, Mi Man! Art! Nice enjoyable posting with some flesh!
I took notice to the part about the tonality and cymbal detail. Its true some manufactures put a certain emphasis on a certain region of the sound. In my experience with detail and cymbal work....going up the chain in a favorite internect cable is a sure fix...especially in the cymbal work. I've had cheaper priced but none the less, very nice interconnects, but the cymbals as well as the concert of voices where indistinguishable. After spending more money on the same cable company, going up the chain, those things became more detailed and distinguishable in tone and especially in the voices where we could separate the sopranos from the tenor and so on. Not saying this is true in your case, but very well could be as well.
A trade mark of every Marantz I have owned was a fleshed out mid section. But the overall sound was indeed neutral and very satisfying....but of course from me and your past conversations regarding Marantz....you know I am a fan.
Looking forward to your continued evaluation of the SA8005.