Help with integrated amp choice


New to the site and admittedly proabably not at the level of sophistication of most on here but here goes.
Attempting replace my Denon 750 for around 2k driving a pair of Polk 10s 
Have had hooked up the NAD 368 and now the Nova 300.
First question with no input and the amp maxed out should there be any noise (hum/buzz)
Second it may be just my bad audio memory but the  Denon just seemed to be more accurate.
Now I know that may sound like heresy to some but is it my ears or my expectations?
Using California labs CD for the testing
I’m lost  just trying to listening to 60 - 70rock
Would appreciate any help and direction
Thanks 
Jim
jwfitzdo

Showing 2 responses by jwfitzdo

Thanks everyone 
This was valuable info.

Tablejockey not sure what your response meant?
Soix
I’m i just trying to get back to where I was with prior equipment
it seemed to me that both the NAD and Nova 300 lacked transparency and presence. They both seemed smooth and with my Polks never got adequate highs to suit me.
wonder if the Denon was always bright and matched with the Polks propped up their deficiencies in the high end?
Jim