Gryphon Mikado

Kops says:

if you can find a good deal with Emm Labs stick to it IMHO

I second that. Good as the Gryphon is, the other one is better.
2) Problem is, with the EMM you're also buying switching and pre capabilities which you don't need...
3) You'll always have people introducing new products -- they need to live:)! Don't worry about it.
4) "Synergy": don't worry about it. Unless yr amp has input irregularities (unlikely) or gross non-linearities (most unlikely), the only thing you need is a cdp that has a healthy output -- and you're in business.
5) Esoteric: unfortunately, never directly compared the two box thing or the dvd-60 (I think it's called that -- I mean the multiplayer) vs. the Gryphon, vs EMM.

Therefore, I will arbitrarily declare that I was suitably impressed by the Esoterics, also by the EMM (which drives an amplifier directly) and less by the Gryphon.

6) A more personal note: euro: ~+10k is a lot of money for decoding 44.1 digital and I would very strongly urge you to ALSO consider teac's reasonably priced esoterics, products fm the usual suspects: say Wadia, Audio Aero, Yba, some germans (Symphonic line sound similar to the gryphon but are less expensive asaik). IF EMM ultimately attracts yr attention, get a deal on a Gryphon stereo power amp exchanging yr own -- since you like their products -- and use the Switchman as pre. Use a shielded IC (usually horrible) in the beginning before you go for unshielded, if you ever do so.
Cheers

I have used a GRYPHON MIKADO (2005) for some two years. When compared with various models by Burmeister, Esoteric, Krell, MBL, Metronome, Reimyo that I've auditioned, it does not come over as the most detailed or articulate of players, and has a relatively narrow (but quite deep) soundstage. That said, it IS musical, etch-free (subject to recording quality!) and probably at its best when reproducing smaller ensembles. Personally, at this price level, I'd be interested in trying out the AUDIO RESEARCH CD7. That said, there is no doubt the GRYPHON is a GOOD digital source, though it is up there with some pretty stiff competition. Sorry, I have no first-hand experience of EMM LABS. Of course, the only way is to audition for yourself, with the kind of music you enjoy: One person's meat is another's poison. It might also be the case that within the next year or so, Gryphon will introduce a new player. It's time.

FYI my other equipment includes KHARMA MIDI EXQUISITE, PASS XO.2 + XA160, SUNYATA/tRANSPARENT cabling.

Cheers

Leo

You may also like to consider the Lindemann 820S.

Yes very good!!!

Gregm re emm if you don't want the pre capabilities...u just go for the new single box player. problem solved.