Krell kav-400xi with show case dvd or dvd standad?

Standard would be a large improvement...go for it!

From your musical perspective, I'd go with the showcase. You could also get a bargain dvd player and select another front end for cd/ipod playback...they say the new cambridge cd player is a value. Rotel makes a budget cd player that sounds great as well. Take your time and explore your options. Maybe the sony dvp-n900es?..I think I got it right, would be the best of all since you get dvd/cd/sacd playback in one package for $900??

I own the SACD standard and have had the DVD Standard home as well....the CD section's are very close, both better than the showcase by far!!

It is not just louder, but gives a lower noise floor with less audio band contamination for blacker backgrounds and more low level information. Balanced will be an improvement in a balanced system that is properly set up!

I have owned many reference class systems with both single ended and balanced. The bottom line is that both can sound wonderful, but balanced brings a heightened sense of presence, palpability, low level detail and contrast...kinda more there there!! If the system used to experience the effect isn't able to deliver the goods then so be it. I have used wilson and dynaudio speaker systems for instance, with both tube and solid state fully balanced components and cabling. The difference may be excused by some who do not give priority to the effect. Some people who listen with a distant perspective and enjoy low volume settings may not hear a difference. If you prefer being immersed in the sound field ala in the front row of the Village Vangaurd then you will require a balanced system.

The Krell 400xi will remain a cornerstone in a system...speakers may change over time. However, if you don't require superior performance then look elsewhere.

More power is never an issue. In fact, the more power you have on hand, the less the distortion each driver will suffer. Cone control and dynamic expression will be increased as well, plus if you want to run a subwoofer or two you can use the preamp out connections on the 400xi. It is concievable that in the right room you may not need to ever change speakers.

It gives the user an idea of how much power it takes to drive them and also indicates what the speakers limitations may be...in other words, more power will be cleaner and less damaging to the speakers, but you could potentially still overdrive them. Having less power will present more distortion issues, especially at higher volume levels on demanding material. Bottom line is that you use your speakers within their design limitations no matter what the power rating is...the sound generally get's flat and harder sounding as the speakers compress. For most real world applications, upper output limits should not be an issue unless your a head banger. Knowing your speaker ratings and having plenty of clean power is never a bad thing...abuse comes from ignorance and overdriving your speakers:)