So I’m sure all of these “should I get a XXX or a 990” are driving you all crazy but here goes mine!

I got an offer to buy a NAD T190 from a friend. Forget the reliability problems over at NAD, this is a great working unit, sounds sweet. So the question is, the NAD definitely has better electronics, and the only feature I wish I had is DVI switching, but I can always get an external box to do that. So do I get a used NAD or go for the brand spanking new 990? Forget features, I don’t use em (just run my high def DVR and DVD through em, 2 inputs that’s it.) Forget ease of use. I’m a power user and can make complex-ass macros. The NAD would cost me a bit less than the 990. Do I go for what I know are great proven electronics? That great Motorola chipset? THX? Or do I go for something new and possibly higher tech? (that usb sounds good…)
I run Legacy “High Power” power blocks (love em, more headroom than I could ever need) if that helps. Got KRK and Phase’s now, but they’ll probably become Martin Logans soon (if you with reallly hard...)

What would you guys do?

CORRECTION: NAD T170!!!! NOT 190! What was I thinking?!

Absolutely, without question, go with the NAD. You made your own case for it, and a good one at that. NAD makes outstanding integrated amps and pre/pro units, it is only their receivers which have become notoriously quality-control issues...

I don't know the T190 from NAD, so I cannot comment on that. I couldn't even find it on their website. I like the sound of NAD a lot, just not the quality of the DAC in the receiver I owned.

I couldn't find a T190 on the NAD site, either.

This is an impossible question to answer since few people have actually heard the 990 outside of the demo room in NYC.

And since it isn't in the hands of many folks at this point, I think it's also too early to conclude that "the NAD definitely has better electronics."

If you can wait up to four weeks until a few listening reports start coming back on the 990 (without losing your NAD deal), that would be my recommendation. If not, buy the NAD and if you still are curious about the 990, you can do a 30 day trial and sell the NAD later if you prefer the 990.

I see an S170i and a T163 on the NAD website but not a T170. Is the T170 older/discontinued? Is the warranty transferrable? If it breaks can you get it fixed. Is there a 5 year warranty like the 990? Are headphones important? Turntable?

I know if I'm spending a significant amount of money on something I want someone I can turn to for repair/replacement if it breaks.

Otherwise, if you've heard it and it sounds good and it's a quality product and the price is right, buy it.

Do you mean the NAD S170 ?
If so, is it already upgraded to the "i" version and if not is there a known cost associated with it?

EDIT: Looks like audvid and I are thinking along the same lines...

So there's no question I'm an idiot, or should just stop doing this late at night when nobody can tell me not too...

S170. S, not T... so close in the alphabet! Damn!

It is not the S170i upgraded version, but acording to NAD the only change is the three new surround sound formats, THX 2, Neo:6, and some other one i always forget, all of which are for more than 5 speakers.... which I do not have!

If I can get the unit for $5-600 it seems worth it even if it is no longer under warenty, no? It'll kick well (hopefully) for two years until I need to move up.

It is a top of the top system, and I love the sound of it.

As for headphones, turntable, nah, I'm a movie guy! And I live alone, so nobody I care about to bug.

Get the Nad and then , if possible, get the 990. Demo both . If you like the Nad better return the 990 under the 30 day Outlaw return policy. If you find you prefer the 990, put the Nad on Ebay or Audiogon.