3.5 FlatCap vs. Linn Ikemi

Posted by: SaturnSF on 08 August 2001

Based on a comment on Bas V's recent thread, has anyone compared the 3.5 FlatCap or CD5 FlatCap to the Linn Ikemi (not the less expensive Genki)?

I haven't heard them in my own system, but when I heard the Ikemi, it just boogied!. The Naim player seemed to have more weight to the presentation, however.

If finances permit, I plan to purchase one of the two shortly.

Posted on: 08 August 2001 by Mike Hanson
I feel that the Ikemi is roughly matched by the CDX, although the Ikemi is a bit more polite. Since the CDX is much better than a 3.5/Flat, I would say that the Ikemi a better choice for you (assuming that you don't want to buy a CDX).

BTW, when I was choosing between the Ikemi and CDX, I went for the CDX.

-=> Mike Hanson <=-

Posted on: 08 August 2001 by Andrew Randle
Ikemi = a bleached matter-of-fact presentation

Sorry, but the Ikemi I've heard just didn't get "down 'n dirty" razz

Andrew

Andrew Randle
2B || !2B;
4 ^ = ?;

Posted on: 08 August 2001 by SaturnSF
Andrew, what exactly do you mean by "down and dirty"? I listened to rock music through the Ikemi and found that the rhythm section was right on; bass and drums locking into a groove, along with the rest of the instruments. The 3.5 HiCap did this as well, but, to my ears, not as great an extent. Like I mentioned earlier, I do believe the Naim to have greater authority in the bass.
Posted on: 08 August 2001 by Mike Hanson
The Ikemi can seem more "matter of fact", compared to the CDX's nature of "fun and exciting". Some people find the CDX to be "too punchy" in this regard, which is why they might choose the Ikemi. It all depends on your tastes.

-=> Mike Hanson <=-

Posted on: 08 August 2001 by Steve Toy
I did this test last year on my home system, as well as hearing the Ikemi with Kollector/Klout/LK140/Keilids.
I used Steely Dan's "Two against Nature."
In general, the Ikemi's presentation is very rhythmic and precise, but it doesn't time properly. The bass line in "Cousin Dupree" just trips it up, whereas the 3.5 followed it brilliantly in both tune and time.
On this basis, I ordered a 3.5, but then my dealer told me about the CD5, so I had one of those instead.
As for the CDX it craps on the Ikemi from a great height, it has to, because it's so much better than the 3.5 or 5, which are already superior to the Ikemi, according to my experience.
The only area where the CDX and Ikemi are in the same ballpark is price.

It's always a nice day for it, have a good one wink
Steve

Posted on: 09 August 2001 by Andrew Randle
SaturnSF,

To explain "Down 'n Dirty", it refers to how a player is able to portray the meaning behind the music. While the Ikemi is able to convey the macro-timing aspects (everyone playing together) the micro-timing aspects (of individual performers) does not ennunciate the phrasing in the "spiritual way" that the CDX does.

Andrew

Andrew Randle
2B || !2B;
4 ^ = ?;

Posted on: 09 August 2001 by Bas V
Okay than, let me describe THE difference between the Genki and the CD5.

First session was with the Genki and it sounded nice. Okay, a bit shut in, some muddling, but nice.

Second session was with the CD5. No faults there. Everything sounded fine. More "authority" and no muddling.

I know there are better players than this (I probably have one myself[CDI]), but there just aren't any obvious faults.
When I first heard a Nait3 I had the same experience. It sounded great, no faults there. As you move up the Naim-ladder, it all gets better, (more power, wider sound, more dynamics, better details) but nonetheless the cheaper siblings keep pleasing. I think this separates Naim from other brands.

Everybody at the CD5 demo agreed: way better. I cannot describe it better than this. There are just no obvious faults with Naim. At least, not to my ears...

Regards, Bas