Linn CD-12 or Ikemi: Your opinions

You don't need to go all the way to a $20K CD-12. I traded in my Ikemi on a Levinson 390S at $8K and it was a HUGE improvement. If you want to take an even bigger step up, but not all the way to a CD-12, the new dCS P8i is amazing and it is also an SACD player.

I've listened to both of these and I own the CD12 and the Linn Unidisk v1.1 (which I use for video and SACD). On Redbook CD there is no question in my mind, that the CD12 is way better than either the Ikemi and the Unidisk v1.1. The CD12 is more musically involving and gets the "weight" of the music right. I find the Ikemi and the Unidisk on Redbook to be a bit thin and sterile.

BTW, you should be able to buy a CD12 used for $10-11K. Remember that there are 20 and 24bit versions, with the 24bit sounding just a tad better than the 20bit.

Also, I had the chance to listen to the EMM Labs combo against my CD12 on redbook and the CD12 acquitted itself very well. The EMM Labs has a bit more resolution while the CD12 had a better midrange. At this elite level of performance I find that it comes down to personal tastes...a bit like wine.

Linn equipment continues to be in my experience very musically involving compared to alot of stuff out there. I own the Kisto as well and have been "forced" to listen to its 2 channel pre-amp section while my new pre-amp gets delivered and I was so blown away by what I heard that I called my dealer...he told me that the Kisto has largel the same pre-amp section as the dedicated Klimax Kontrol pre-amp from Linn which has been touted by many as one of the best pre-amps on the market.

Again, Linn is a great company! Wish you luck in your decision.

I've just purchased a hardly used CD12 and paid around $10K for it. So far it sounds very comparable to my existing ML 31.0 & 30.5 combo. If blind folded I can challenge anyone to tell the difference.

The sound stage are similar in dimension even in 3D resolution. The music timbre are also similar, most noticeably in operatic voices.

The only time I think there is a noticeable difference is when I put on the Ottermar flemingo guitar CD. The ML has a bit more attack mainly because the CD12 is slighly lay back/musical.

Did I just throw away $10K? May be! But then the CD12 is a classic.

I've owned the Genki, Ikemi and CD12. The CD12 is significantly better than the Ikemi - better bass resolution, better sound stage and overall more musical. I would say that the CD12 is worth the extra cost, especially considering that used prices have fallen a lot recently.