CD player choice: Linn Ikemi, ArcamCD73, Adcom GCD- 575, or Linn Karik


I have all 4, apparently in perfect condition.

I'm wondering what will get me the most bang for the buck. I'll probably resell 3 and keep one. Is the listening difference as large as the price difference? 

I kind of lean toward keeping one of the Linns so it will match my other Linn equipment. Is the Ikemi very different from the Karik? 

I haven't been listening to my CDs much, so it may make more sense to use the $ otherwise.

Thanks for your answers. I'm new to high end audio and don't want to later regret selling something. 

charleyprice

Everyone pushes streamers whenever the question is asked about CD players.  I am sure most audiophiles know about streamers, so why push your bias on anyone else who is asking about CD’s?   I am talking about you, Ghdprentice, and many others.  Keep the CD. player that sounds best to you.  

I would sell them all and get a good quality CD Player...though there are a few who prefer older CD Players...

Streamer yes. Have a Marantz SA-8004 and it almost keeps us with my NAD streamer.

i've owned the adcom and the arcam--as both player and transport the arcam is much better--it does have a warm, smooth sound if that's your thing. i've only heard the ikemi briefly, but it was all the rage back in its day and, generally speaking linn synergizes best with your other linn gear--it would be my choice (i'm not familiar with the karik).

Given the state of the high end audio industry. I would sell them all and get a good quality Streamer and DAC. Streaming is as good or better sounding and is the present state and the future.


Alternatively you could verify each can be used as a DAC... it has a digital input on the back, and get a streamer until you can upgrade the DAC. Given how ancient these all are probably only the Arcam has a digital input,.. 

There has been large improvements in DACs (and CD Players... one component which is the DAC) in the last 20 to 30 years. There Karik is 30 years old, the Ikemi is twenty. Both are ancient.

The Adcom is even more ancient and originally not as high end as the Linn. The Arcam is newer... and although not high end... may sound the best since it is only a little over a decade old. If I got all the dates right.