Stay away from the nad

Hi.  Older duffer with about 40 years in "the chase."  Sorry about your experiences with NAD.  A few years ago, I had to make a tough call.  Had been using a modded Moscode 300 with great success (left up full time) that bellied up.  I listen nearfield in a small room and am highly critical.  After much search, I found a clean MUSE 160 from a Gon member with a great track record.  A couple months in, fireworks from the right channel...surprisingly, the other channel kept playing until I got to the switch.  Now what?  Years prior (about 7 now) I had read strong positive reviews about the NAD M2 digital box (dac/pre/amp) ...strong across the board around the build, innovation, and of course, the sound.  Full retail was $6k, beyond my means.  And, yes, I also had heard the negatives around NAD's service ills.  Well, as these things go, I was able to find a used one within budget, a tough call considering my recent experience with amps.  So far, the gamble has paid off richly.  Since then, I also landed an 80's NAD 3140 integrated for the bedroom that has a terrific headphone section.  That piece is now driving my son's system, the heart of his recorded music and solid body guitar playback.  Folks, this hobby IS a gamble in my experience.  I left an Electrocompaniet Ampliwire II (which had a British sports car reputation) on for 20+ years with no issues, VENTED PROPERLY ON ALL SIDES.  Remember always, heat is the enemy.  Good luck with you future choices...it's all worth it in the end.  Best, Norm