Stello ai500 Integrated amplifier?

You are most welcome Scott,

I am happy to be able to provide some insight based on my experience.
Once being fairly selfish on such finding of hidden treats in the quest for sound, and being involved in this racket for well over two decades brought me to a realization that the more, the merrier it is to share. I do enjoy sharing and learning from others now.

The NAD you have is such a great little piece of achievement by this long running company, not forgetting their newer upper M3 series as well which is a real delight.
It’s really exciting when you find such equipment that is a fraction of the cost but delivers a substantial portion of the very best out there.
The Krell 400xi Integrated was a breakthrough in design in my opinion, massive Toroid, surface mount direct coupled and no caps….its a true feast and I will continue to say “Dan is the Man”, the master of amplifier designs. That “little” integrated, 30lb with lightning speed and current, transparency and resolution and not forgetting the bottom end was just mind boggling for $2500, a true Krell signature right there. The looks is truly a bonus compared to what that amp is capable of doing.

When I first heard it, it was sad since I used to enjoy my Creek 4330mk2 in the early days until the Krell was placed into the chain and it was just annihilated it in every way (not a fair test obviously with the price ratio). It just had Gobs and gobs of power, control and detail that I was not accustomed to from the little Creek.
I had never ever heard monitors sound so big and full until I was introduced to the Krell, it was driving a pair of Sonus Faber Electa’s. Good memories most certainly. It never ever sounded like my bigger Krells such as the FPB600c or the Monos but it had that signature Krell sound assured with a good portion of its performance is a much lighter package. That is true engineering!

The Stello ai500 reminds me of the Krell 400xi but with much greater Neutrality which I think would entice many new listeners who are seeking for that missing edge that some amplifiers fail to deliver.

Good luck
Ravi

I was just at the Seoul Audio Show and heard the new Eximus preamp and amp running a pair of Wilson Sashas and I was very, very impressed, as I've always been from Simon Lee's units. April Music is fantastic company and I'm happy for you for your purchases.

I have owned the Ai500 about 8 months. It is a great integrated (even if you exclude the dac).
It is definitely well built. As Rapogee states, you do need it to warm up a bit. After running it for awhile, the unit does get get warm (around Bryston warm but not hot that you can fry an egg or burn yourself).

The amp has great control & authority and can handle my PMB MB1 by itself. Of course it has drawbacks when your try to power something this large but it has worked better than I have expected. It can control the woofers with ease and does provide some lushness for vocals with great neutrality. Maybe a tad bit of resolution loss b/c of the dirvers sucking the power out when playing 1812 but nevertheless still amazing!

Did I mention the fact that you can use it to bi-amp? I used the Ai500 to drive the 12" on the MB1 and Vitus for the tweet/mid. It was glorious!

I eventually (and regretably to this day) sold it as I did not have an extra setup for 2 systems so it would have been collecting dust in the corner of my room. I do miss it and I would not hesitate to buy it back if I need another amp. The guy who bought it from me has been VERY hapy with it driving his custom built ribbons and 2x8" Nuform Research bass drivers.

Hope I'm not to late for this blog but how would the Stello stand up next to a good tube amp?