I had (still have) Rowland 102 - a class D amp based on the same module (200ASC) as your S300. I liked it a lot, but eventually replaced it with Benchmark AHB2. It is wonderful, cool running amp, that sounds better than Rowland 102. Everything is a little bit better - a little cleaner, a little airier, better imaging and a little better bass extension. The last one surprised me the most. I use it with Benchmark DAC3 HGC and it is wonderful pair - sonically and visually. For the cost of NAD M33 you can have both. DAC3 HGC has analog inputs as well.
Help an old man out
Haven’t posted in a while....have been very happy with my system for the last 11 years and didn’t feel the need to really upgrade til recently. My setup is all my music (and tidal) on my desktop using a Logitech transporter as a DAC through to a Bel Canto pre 3 into a Bel Canto S300 with Gallo 3.1s for speakers. My S300 is having issues with the left channel (sound level is down to about 50%) so it is accelerating my hunt for something new. I have really been interested in the NAD M33, as it seems to have everything I need, including a little extra power for the Gallos...they need a kick in the butt to get moving. Also considering a couple REL subs (probably 512s) to get the low I am not getting right now. The Gallos are good and tight, but they don’t reach low enough for that nice chest thump. Anyway, I am reading a lot about poor build quality with NAD and that is making me second guess the direction I am thinking. Doesn’t seem like there is anything really equivalent at the 5k price point and as nice as some of the 17k and higher Gryphon stuff looks, I have my wife to answer to. Sorry for the long post, but 5k is a lot of money and I am not a millionaire—just a dude who wants to kick back and listen to tunes at levels I really shouldn’t. Also, if you feel the itching desire to jump on here and tell everyone how bad class d sucks, just don’t. We have all heard it before, and we have all seen your amazing graphs of wisdom etc. thanks for your help!