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.
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.