Linn Ikemi CD Player vs. Other Lower Cost Options


I am considering replacing my Meridian 508.20 CD player with another unit. The 508.20 CD player is connected to a Jeff Rowland Concentra integrated amplifier and ProAc 2.5 Speakers. I heard the Meridian 588 vs. the Ikemi and I liked the Linn (much better). I heard the Wadia 301 and found it too bright (possible setup problem). I liked the Rega Jupiter also but when compared to the Ikemi, the Linn was the winner (for my ears). The Ayre CX7 is an option that I need to listen to. Since the Linn Ikemi is expensive, does anyone have a recommendation for a similar high quality CD player than the Linn Ikemi but at a lower cost (like under $2,000)? For the cost and value, is the better option to upgrade my 508.20 to 508.24? Comments and suggestions are requested.
hgeifman
I also recently auditioned several players before deciding on the Ikemi. If you are patient you may be able to find a used/demo unit close to your price. I was able to get a demo unit for $2200 and I notice that someone is asking $2900 on Audiogon. They don't appear often, which tells you something about them. BTW, I compared it to the Cary 303 and 306, Meridian 588, FMJ23, Krell and Marantz sa-1. For me, the Ikemi was the clear choice both in build quality and sound.
Have you considered a "modded" Sony XA-777ES or Philips SACD 1000? You can get the base CD players for about $2000 and $800 (mail order), respectively, and the mods can cost anywhere from $500 to about $3000. These players will play all formats. The basic modded Philips at a price of about $1300 is a terrific deal (Reference Audio Mods) and you probably would have a difficult time finding a better player (at any price!) than the fully modded Sony XA-777ES (EVS or others).

For the mods, you might try Rick at Electronic Visonary Systems (EVS): tweakaudio.com, or Kyle at Reference Audio Mods: referenceaudiomods.com.
I have the Linn Genki now and recently compared it to the Shanling. I also heard the Electrocompaniet and Gamut CD1 through quad speaker. The Genki was very close to the Shanling through a Hovland line stage and AR tube amp. The Gamut was a very good sounding unit with no harshness good bass and very open fast sound. It seemed to bring out details very will. Some have criticized it's lack of timbre on acoustic recordings. I may wait for Linn to come out with it's universal players later this year.

Good Luck
Thanks for the above info. Do you have more info on Linn's universal players scheduled for later this year?
Hello,

I have bought a "used" Cary 303 player from audiogon. I listened to the Linn Ikemi, Rega Planet and the top of the line Rotel and thought the Cary was superior. More open and had a bigger sound stage than the Rotel. The lower end was better than the Ikemi. Just my opinion.