Webb,
Look at Yamaha. The R-S 500 is a clean and simple receiver with quality components and sells in your price range. Only the features you need without all the nutty 5.1 stuff. It does have a pre-out so you could use the NAD but the onboard Yamaha amp is pretty clean. I own a pair of older versions of these and they have served me well. Give it a listen and trust your ears.
Amazon.com: Yamaha R-S500BL Natural Sound Stereo Receiver (Black): Electronics