new Electrocompaniet vs older LINN Karik/Nemeric?

In that range, be patient and get an audio aero capitole used, the best CD player under 10k IMO They are seldom available used, sort of says something about the product.

I use to own the Genki and when I upgraded almost two years ago my choices were narrowed down to the Ikemi and the EMC 1 (not the 24/192).
Like you I love the Linn sound so I'm very familiar with the Ikemi. By reading what people say about the two units on Audio Asylum and here I went with the EMC1 without auditioning it. Now looking back I'm glad I chosed the EMC 1 as it was the best CD player that I've ever owned. Now my original unit has been upgraded to the MK II status by having the 24/192 DAC and it couldn't be any better.

I think a better solution for same or less money would be a used Muse Model 9 signature (I think there is currently a dutch auction going on for 5 of them on this site from Hello Simply Music) I bought a Muse Model 296 from them at an auction a month or so ago - this DAC is very similar to the Model 9 sig. These Muse units are truly phenomenal and quite underpriced on the used circuit, to my ears they easily beat everything short perhaps of the Audio Aero capitole and then it's a matter of taste (I think the dCS combo sounds better, but after all its $16K or something obscene like that). The other players you are looking at are very good, but the Muse has a palpability to the sound that is amazing, one feels the instruments in the room with you.