Sorry if I come across like a smart ass. I did something yesterday. Since you said these newer units are not so much repairable. When I turned it on, pop and cracking from both channels, then the right channel cut out. Turned it off two or three times, same. Now the pooping and cracking stops after it warms up for a minute. The right channel never came back. Unhooked and sit it on the kitchen table. Popped the case off looked inside, really clean inside, didn't see anything unusual. Put the case back on. Got frustrated and using my fist I pounded on the top like 7 times. Hit it on each side about 5 times. Hit it so hard at first I thought I put a dent in the top. Then picked it up about a foot and dropped it on the table twice.
Well not being a complete idiot I took it in the den and hooked it up to a cheaper system I have. Well I'll be, runs just fine. The popping and cracking gone, right channel back. Turned it off probably 10 times, Everytime just fine. Left it on for hours, played just fine, amazing it didn't set on fire either. This morning I brought it back in the living room. Hooked back up to the system in here and it's been fine.
Well I have a new profession, I've built and repaired computers since the mid 90s. Now I repair newer receivers. On Stereo's you just beat the hell out of them. But then again, sorry if I come across as an ass.