Newbie.. what CDP/DAC for Krell 400xi and ML SL3

Thanks for your reply. Actually doing more research right now..
- in some other threads, folks suggest 400xi is best go for XLR
- I found that Jolida actually carries a JD700 dvd play (tube + XLR)
- Though people say JD100 sounds better than JD700...
So, among these two, any suggestions? Or there are more options?

Naim CD5i. ~ $1000 used.

I just got a 400xi in my system this week. I haven't heard it in my system with another source, but it does sound very nice with the JD100, and Maggie 1.6s. I also replaced the 12AX7s in the Jolida with RCA 5751s, which are even more laid back than the 12AX7s.
I did hear the 400xi at the dealer's in single ended/RCA mode and in Balanced/XLR mode. XLR was louder, but I couldn't tell if it was better or not.
Good luck

Ktang, please let me have some feedback on either Jolida CDp with your 400xi. A while back,I used XLR connections from the KAV 280 CDP to the 400 xi and it was a day and night difference in term of not only dynamic (+ 6db)but details and tonal balance. I sold the Krell CDP280 for a personal taste in matching my system between black and silver. Just got back from Tweeter, Sade never sounds so warm and real with 400xi and the SACD standard and ML. I was about to buy the Jolida Jd100 or the Apollo but I believe nothing better than 400 xi and SACD combination running in XLR connection. I have decided I have to wait another 6 months or so to get the SACD at the authorized dealer but it will worth the wait. I have to live with the Rotel 1072 for now which is not really a good match for 400xi at all.

I too have found the Krell 400xi to sound much better in balanced mode vs. single-ended. I also found this Amplifier to sound “great” when paired with the Krell SACD Standard (Stereophile A+ rated), especially in balanced mode. The + 6dB gain is quite noticeable and appreciated (less work for the Amp. to do), plus on SACDs the Standard adds + 5.5 dB via Filter 3, for a whopping 11.5 dB output gain! Like certain components from other manufacturers, the Krell 400xi & SACD Standard are sonically, functionally and aesthetically (look awesome together in Black) made for each other. As per Krell, these two particular components were co-developed side-by-side (Krell currently markets them as the “Executive System), and have received excellent reviews as a system. For some Buyers of the 400xi, the Standard might be a financial stretch (@ $4,500) to purchase, but it is well worth the investment, I feel that this Player squeezes-out every once of Class A performance from this Amp. All of the Tweeter/Sound Advice stores that I've been in as of late have had this combo. set-up, usually paired with ML, Krell Res. 2 or Focal 1027 Be Speakers, and the sales-reps tell me that they sell very well together.

Incidentally, I recently purchased the 400xi/Standard/1027 Be combination, set-it-up in a fairly large 25’x20’ room and couldn't be happier. For $15K, this system can hang with the very best systems that I have heard. Save-up your money, and then buy the Standard to pair with the 400xi, you’ll have no regrets, besides not having done it sooner.