I tried the Ikemi vs the CD23 (Ikemi won hands down in every way - I have not heard the CD33), the Cary 301 (Cary smooth, Ikemi smooth, I thought Cary lacked dynamics and some amount of detail but it could have been "too much tube" in the system), the Meridian 508.24 and 588 (I liked Meridians better on complex music but note that of all players I tested, the Meridian was probably most like the Linn), the Marantz SA-1 and SA-14 (I liked the Marantz players better but if not broken in, they can be "bright"). I also tried the Sony SCD-1 and SCD 777ES. I ended up with the 777 because it worked in my system very well on redbook AND SACDs. If it were ONLY a redbook test, I ~probably~ would have chosen the Meridian. I tested all of these players with VTL tube amps, a passive attenuator, and electrostatic-hybrid speakers.
I agree with comments above that the Ikemi was at its best on a relative basis on jazz. Nonetheless, for the same amount of money, there were other players I preferred.
Given what others have written about other players (EMC1, AA CapitoleMkI, and others) in a relatively similar price range if used, I would include them in a list of potential candidates as well.
JM02YMMV.
Travis
I agree with comments above that the Ikemi was at its best on a relative basis on jazz. Nonetheless, for the same amount of money, there were other players I preferred.
Given what others have written about other players (EMC1, AA CapitoleMkI, and others) in a relatively similar price range if used, I would include them in a list of potential candidates as well.
JM02YMMV.
Travis