+++Magnum Dynalab MD-208 Reciever+++

I have a 208, but I have never owned a NAD receiver. The 208 does a pretty good job pulling in FM stations, probably better than most, although such differences are easily overwhelmed by antenna decisions. The amp section is credible driving my pair of Thiel 3.6 speakers, which are known to be difficult impedance loads and hard to drive. This is why I got the 208 -- a receiver that can drive the 3.6s. If you live in a difficult reception area and/or plan to drive difficult speakers, I would suggest the 208 might be worth the extra cost. If not, you might be just as happy with the NAD, especially since your wording implies that this is not your primary listening system anyhow. Good luck.

I haven't heard a 208 but I have heard the SimAudio amp which is in it. I've heard lots of NADs, I even own one, but my own main amp is a Sim and that's the one I like to listen to. In my view there is no comparison between NAD and SimAudio for smoothness and musicality. Of course you pay for the difference.

Rotel also has an RX-1050 100 wpc receiver which is smoother than NAD. Not as good as Sim Celeste but it's only $799. Krell also used to make a receiver - was one for sale here a week or two ago.