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Linn Akurate CD vs. others

In Germany, Linn´s Akurate CD-SACD-DVD-Audio-player has been very favourably reviewed by both Stereo and Stereoplay magazine.

The former found the player to set new standards for its class and found the SACD-playback to better the Esoteric X-03SE, the Lindemann 820, equal to the Krell Evolution 505.

CD-playback was found to be on the same level as the new Lindemann 820s, but better than the Krell, significantly better than the Esoteric X-03SE, the Accuphase DP78, or the Marantz SA-7S1.

One German dealer found the Akurate to sound as good as the CD12. Another well respected dealer that carries both Esoteric and Linn told me the Linn was no competition for the Esoterics, but did not have the Linn on display.

Has any of you guys listened to and compared the Akurate to the aforementioned or other high end-players?

Thanks,
Florian Hassel
hassel

Showing 1 response by arkio

arkio
74 posts
 
I heard it in an all Linn system and I prefered the 1.1. The dealer swapped the Akurate with the unidisk 1.1 he had on hand - in and out of the same setup - and the 1.1 was just more musical and more toe tappin compared to the Akurate IMO . Both had outstanding detail and soundstage. I have heard the X-03SE in another system a while ago and the build quality of the Esoteric is way beyond the Linn. Soundwise I would say its a toss up, I think associated equipment could lean you one way or the other. I have not heard the Lindemann or Krell so can't comment on those.

Good listening
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