Denied Warranty On RMAd EF500?

I am panicking and fuming at the same time. I bought the Ananda Stealth V3 and the EF500 a year or so ago. The original Ananda Stealth V3 had issues, I had to return it and get a refurbished one. Then my EF500 got severe channel imbalance. It got returned. I got a "new" one from them, but after 4 months, the left channel is louder than the right, although leaving it completely off and not near anything electrical for 3 days fixed it. Now, month 8, it is happening all the time. I literally can't listen to it anymore.

Hifiman wants $209 just to fix it! Knowing their record, I would just get another bad one. They then asked me to upgrade to a new one... With what's going on in the US, I cannot afford $209. This also bars me from using my Ananda Stealth V3, as it's the only amp I have that can drive it... Is there anything at all I can do? I am down $800 just because Hifiman has horrible quality control.

I'm thinking it's some kind of voltage drift, so I am wondering of anyone has replaced capacitors in these units? Some type to limit charge buildup or stray voltages. I don't find soldering if it means only spending $10 or so on quality caps.