About 98 was when Adcom started having Chinese production, and back then there were issues with Chinese manufacturing.
To the OP, you mention your experience, but not the time frame. The 5300 was built from about 97 to 2006 or so. I had one from 2001, and later bought a 710 around 2008. I had the exact same problem when I added the 710, it had nothing to do with the amp. (I remain unclear on whether "marking" the frames would show whether the units had been opened up.)
The volume would ramp up by itself to full volume, and the distortion lights on the 5300 would go crazy until I got over there to turn it down. I had the 710 replaced, but the replacement did the same thing. I got my money back and later heard the 710's remote sensor was affected by the noise that a cfl light bulb emits. I have no idea if it's true.
The new Adcom amps really do look interesting though and they've always put out a decent amp.
To the OP, you mention your experience, but not the time frame. The 5300 was built from about 97 to 2006 or so. I had one from 2001, and later bought a 710 around 2008. I had the exact same problem when I added the 710, it had nothing to do with the amp. (I remain unclear on whether "marking" the frames would show whether the units had been opened up.)
The volume would ramp up by itself to full volume, and the distortion lights on the 5300 would go crazy until I got over there to turn it down. I had the 710 replaced, but the replacement did the same thing. I got my money back and later heard the 710's remote sensor was affected by the noise that a cfl light bulb emits. I have no idea if it's true.
The new Adcom amps really do look interesting though and they've always put out a decent amp.