Meridian G08 or Linn Ikemi

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

I've had a Meridian 602 Transport since 1993, coupled with a Meridian 203 DAC until this summer when I sold it and bought a Meridian 606 DAC.
I have had the opportunity to listen to a ton of other gear (from cheap-ass Teac to high end Mark Levinson and the like having worked in an audio store). I absolutely love the Meridian equipment. I thought that the 203 DAC sounded great until I got the 606.... AMAZING! Much more detailed and refined, leaps and bounds!

This is coupled to;
Meridian 203 pre-amp (1991!!)
Meridian 105 monoblocks (1979!!! for mid and tweeters)
PS Audio 250 monoblocks (bass)
Marchand XM9 crossover
Mirage M3si speakers (look great sound amazing)
Cardas interconnects
.......monster cable M1 speaker cables.....