Linn Ikemi vs. Electro. EMC1 vs. 508.24

Had the Meridian 566.24 and 500 (equivalent to the 508.24) and bought the EMC-1 to replace them. Never looked back. The EMC-1 is the most analogue-like CD player I have ever heard, I absolutely love it. I mostly listen to jazz, small scale classical, folk/blues/bluegrass/alt.country, some rock too, like you. I think you would love this player.

I had the Linn Ikemi and the EMC-1 as the final two CDPs I was trying to decide on last year when I was in your situation.I heard the Linn but not the EMC-1 and upon reading a lot about both players I went with the EMC-1 and never look back. A really great CD player for the money.

The Ikemi is very refined but also very laid back with soft bass. I am a big fan of the player but the 508.24 has a more powerful, controlled bass, a little more up front and overall I found it to be a more exciting player.

I'm in Joel's position, too, but have had to rule out the EMC as too large. Blackie's comment re the Ikemi's softish bass has me concerned, as I was about to demo it versus perhaps a Naim CD5 or used CDX. More help, please?
Thanks. Ernie

and bought the 508. The hardness of the EMC (and I've got an expensive CJ tube setup with Guarneris (thanks Soundman!) so it should have been warm. Digititis to the max. Headaches. And worse, stopped listening. Bought the dealers last 508 and took a bath on the EMC1 sold here at Audiogon. My advice, don't buy a digital product from a company that doesn't specialize in it. Meridian, ah, I'm back to listening! (Ugly fit and finish too, I was embarassed when I sold it to 'sic it on anyone else's room!)