Just bought a brand new 400xi after reading reviews and discussions. Dont know how long is the break-in period, but out of the box it doesnt sound better than my integrated amp which only cost $700. When pairing with the Oppo 981 and when eq is activated, the eq made the normal mode sounds muted, lifeless, lack of dynamic... While using the brand X integrated amp, the eq made the pre sounds artificial and eq'ed, so it sounds perfect and natral without the eq. These AB were done using Klipsch RB75. Dont know if Magnepan 1.6, 3.6, Gallo Ref 3.1 or Zu Druid mk4 could make the 400xi sounds right. So far, unimpressed! I hate to cough out $3-4K for any of these speakers and get disappointed.