Naim CD5i with Krell KAV400xi Amp

Hi! I am new here. Been fooling around sound systems (Mark Levinson No.7) way back in the 80s during the college years but gave that up after returning to Malaysia to work. Am starting anew now that I can (barely) afford it (without the missus's knowledge).

I just bought a Krell KAV400i integrated amplifier together with a Naim CD5i CD player connected by DH Labs Silver Sonic interconnects.

What I don't have is a set of speakers (yet). Am thinking of getting either a pair of AE1 Classic or the SF Toy.

Any advice? BTW, I still have my ML No.7 monoblocks somewhere in my storeroom. What is it worth these days?

IMO, i would say Krell works very well with SF, however, it's very much depend on your expectation whether you like warm, musical sound or bright, detailed.

I owned Krell KAV-400xi too, it works quite well with my Sonus Faber Concertino Domus and deliver a warm, musical sound.

I owned AE Evo One few years back but never pair with Krell before, and i haven't heard about AE1 Classic myself, the review on this speaker is pretty good but again, it depends on the matching amp and your music preference.

I would advise you to get some audition on SF and AE, if your budget is permitted go for higher range SF such as Cremona.

By the way, what is room size? If you have a bigger room, probably you should try floor standing speaker, else bookshelf speaker with stand should able to perform.

My 2 cents, hope to see more audiophiles chipping in to provide you more information.

Thanks, man! Room size is not that large, just normal sized sitting room.

your ML is still available?

IMHO Entry level to mid level Sonus Faber sounds best with Tube amp. The higher end wants then Krell's power should do the job to drive those hungry high end Sonus.

I think your KRELL would be an over-kill to the small toy. Try Harbeth SHL 5 or the 7s. Or something like the Apogee or any ribbon speakers. Sound great with a powerful amp like your Krell

Hi Joseph,
We are planning to demonstrate the Avalon NP Evolution 2.0 speakers at this year's KLIAV with a variety of integrated amps including the Krell S-300i. I'm not sure of the type of sound you're looking for, so it would be good for you to drop by then.

As an aside, besides the Krell S-300i, other integrated amps on demo will be the Manley Stingray, Ayre AX-7e, YBA Passion Integre 100, YBA YA-201 & possibly another Brand X European-made sub-RM5k model. It should be interesting!

Further links:
Avalon Acoustics - http://www.avalonacoustics.com/
Ayre - http://www.ayre.com/
Krell - http://www.krellonline.com/
Manley - http://www.manleylabs.com/hifimain99.html
YBA - http://www.yba.fr/uk/index.php

Krells rock !

Interesting KLIAV 2009 awaits us.
I must checkout the new Krell S-300i.

it depends on your taste of sound. from your description, you are looking for monitor system for easy listening.