Lovely piece of kit. Never tried the standard version but why would you when everybody says the KI is better and for just a few quid more. I have the 17 KI already in my main system and wanted this for a second. Everything about it, including the sound, oozes quality. I love the weighty remote control and the volume buttons save my legs. Wouldn't hesitate to buy another 17 KI. In fact I just did!