MOON I-5 versus KRELL KAV 400XI

More evidence, if any were needed, that different pairs of ears are tuned differently. I've heard both the Krell 400xi, and the SimAudio I-5 at home and elsewhere, albeit with different speakers and source.

I love the I-5, purchased used and without the upgrade now available. For me, the Krell was flat and lifeless, heard through some of the better JMlabs Speakers. But the dealer is a big fan, he sings in an excellent choral group, and I'd never diss his ears. One man's neutral is another man's flat.
For me, the I-5 has just the right balance of life, air, delicacy and agility with music enhanced by those qualities, to make an ideal match with many small-driver two-way speakers in modest sized rooms. No one can argue with the Krell build quality or power though.
happy hunting,
-paul-

A bit of a tangent maybe, hardly a hi-jack. I spent a bit of time with the current Naim 202/200 separates over several sessions at a dealer, and owned the Nait 5i for close to 2 years. The Naim separates are very fine, but very Naim; all of the Naim virtues of rhythmic drive, nice tonal balance, great mid-range, bass that has heft but good manners too. The separates are of a higher calibre overall than the integrateds under discussion here, as they should be for the price. Still, they have the Naim voice which you may or may not prefer; not the last word in soundstage, a sense of air and bloom, delicacy of decay of notes etc.

I think the little Nait 5i holds its own against the Krell 400 xi or the Simaudio 1-5, as long as it is used in a suitable application and set-up. Naim is pretty particular about partnering, from speaker cable and interconnect to equipment rack and speakers.

I might add that I may not have heard the Krell at its best; some devotees of Totem speakers, which I like too, say Krell is a great match with the somewhat forward or lively presentation of the Totems.

24phun-
I share your reaction to the I-7. While the I-7 showed greater dynamic range within a given note, from attack to decay, and an overall bigger sound, it seemed to me the I-5 had a more pleasing delicacy and subtlety. Good as the I-7 may be for certain applications, for simple 2 channel musical enjoyment in a moderate to small room, I prefer the I-5 so far.
Or, at least I couldn't see the VFM ratio favoring the I-7.
But considerations might be quite different for someone looking for a muscular integrated to support home theater surround as well as 2-channel. Perhaps its just a case of adjusting my preferences to fit my budget.

Cenline; I'd be pleased to hear more about your findings about suitable cable for Sim generally. I haven't experimented much yet; just using what I had on hand.
cheers,

-paul-