It was money....and impulse and impatience to be honest ....But also with some reason. I looked at Parasound amps, namely the Halo 23+ but that, with even the most economical Parasound Pre was up towards $2,000.00. Not in my budget.
Other options were higher end integrated amps but used. But I decided against several 15 to 20 year old integrated amps thinking they would need service in the next several years. Maybe yes, maybe no but capacitors only last so long.
Then I gravitated to a new brand; Iotavx SA3 and the PA3.....great subjective reviews but only so-so bench test.
My budget was approx $1,000.00. The Nikko set has a new lease on life and the set was $795.00...totally restored and recapped. I figured I'd give it a try. The amp has 2 transformers, two separate power supply boards, 2 heat sinks, etc... I imagine if this was made today, the amp and pre would be more in the $2000.00 to $3,000.00 range. Just a guess.
If nothing else, this will be a learning experience for me.
