Sonus Faber Venere 2.5 loudspeakers?
IMO you are doing yourself a disservice with NAD. The latter is mid-fi and a quality build Euro integrated will outperform. In simple terms, something in line with the SF pricepoint strata (or better)
at 89db, they are not inefficient requiring a beast to drive them.
(1) IMO, if your budget permits, I would look for an upgrade with a quality build pre-owned integrated amp in the $2500 pre-owned pricepoint ($5000 new pricepoint strata ) to do them justice. PRIMA LUNA is frequently mentioned as a good stablemate.
The available choice options of contenders and pretenders at that pricepoint strata are large .... try to audition some locally. This is a journey to OZ.... not any fast n’ dirty easy destination exercise.
Your current ROTEL at an MSRP of $1300 is better than the NAD. These stepped up build (and price...) new contenders pre-owned will better the ROTEL and slay the NAD ...not even close. The step-up in audio performance will not be subtle.
(2) Budgets matter for sure. Even If an upgrade option is unavailable now,, in any case, first go get the ROTEL properly analyzed and fixed if possible.
- Live with it FIXED for now , and
- upgrade later as funds permit , and then trade-in or sell the ROTEL.