Mason,

A few comments from my perspective.

1. I too like the Bose 301. I currently use two pairs in my main theatre for the surrounds in a 950 / 7.1 set-up. However I'd be very reluctant to use them up front. I used to in my other theatre, but replaced them with comparably priced, and sized, Paradigm Titans and have been happy ever since. Replacing them up front would be the single greatest improvement that you could make - especially with 2 channel sound.

2. If its more power that you want, you won't get it by replacing the NAD 2200 with M-200s. I own a 2200 and it has to be one of the most powerful amps ever built - in real-world conditions. Sure it's only rated at 100 W/ch, but that's conservative AND it has 6dB of headroom! If yours wasn't acting up I'd suggest that you not replace it - or go completely wild and pick up another (usually less than $200 on eBay) and run a bridged pair. I run my 2200 bridged driving a passive sub with a 4 Ohm impedence and it never runs out of power! And by the by, my 2200 once got a little finicky as well. All it took was a $50 visit to the shop to make it well again.

3. Having said all that, there's a lot to be said about purchasing new gear - and that new owner feeling that you get. There's nothing wrong with the M-200. I doubt that it will "sound" any different than most other amps. But it looks good, has plenty of power, and is inexpensive. Go for it!

Regards.

Jeff Mackwood