Meridian G08 or Linn Ikemi

From a past post:

"The key issue with the Ikemi is vibration management: its chassis is woefully underdesigned. I cannot emphasise this enough and cite Ben's response as supporting evidence (the deteriation of playback quality with "heavier music").

However, if you are willing to manage vibration properly, you'll have arguably the finest Redbook playback available at that price point. I have compared the Ikemi to its peer group and, well, I still have the Ikemi. I've even had the opportunity to compare it to the CD12 and must say it holds its own at a fraction of the price (after a certain point, you slam hard against the limitations of the Redbook format).

One more note: if you decide to purchase an Ikemi from other than from a Linn authorized dealer, know the warantee does *not* transfer."

The Meridian doesn't sound digital as a stand alone player. the meridian speakers are exacting and definitely but definitely not warm. The meridian player is extremely neutral, so if you system is bright or overly dark this will not compensate for that. but if you tonal balance is neutral to warm it is an amazing piece of equipment.

You really need to hear both of these in your system if possible the linn is a nice player also, so I don't think you could go wrong with either player.

I would go Meridian personally because of my experiences with their player and my system dynamics.

I had a 508-24 and then an Ikemi. Both excellent players. The Linn was a little less detailed, a little more relaxed presentation, but unless you were listening side by side, you couldn't fault either one.

Both remotes sucked -- too many buttons for too many components you don't own.

I haven't heard the new Meridian stuff, so take my experience as you will.

Rich

My g08 definitely went through a break-in period. It was a little edgy at first and gradually became smoother. I've had it about 10 months. I would guess it took about 500 hours to stabilize. It has nice synergy with my Rowland electronics and Soliloquy 6.5 speakers. Tonality is good and resolution is very high. Very faint background instruments are audible that you can't hear on some players. The soundstage is also very deep. No comment on the Ikemi. I've never heard one.

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for their input and to let you know that I have just purchased an Ikemi.
Thanks Again