Hello Gentlemen,
I have been reading with interest your lively exchanges. May I intrude but once with my own headache?
For many years now my system has consisted of LP12-Ekos-Arkiv 1(rebuilt)/Linto/Meridian CD 200-203 CD combo/32.5-Hicap/250/Sara 9s. My music listening is totally classical and opera.
There appeared some buzz in the speakers some months ago and the dealer, after listening to it in my house, suggested recapping the 250. Which is what I did and it mostly helped.
Now, the unforseen product of this event was my almost impulsive purchasing of the Linn Ikemi CD player. And that has opened a predictable can of worms: although the CDs all of a sudden took on a completely new (and beautiful) life, the sound, sonically speaking, hovers in the upper and bottom parts of the frequency range, without the former - if grainy - fullness that the old and admittedly obsolete Meredian CD combo provided.
My dealer's suggestion is to upgrade to the 52-Supercap and possibly new speakers. He has a well-discounted pair of brand new AV-5140s. I liked them on compasion with the Saras, although the bass was somewhat one-dimensional. But that is where the Saras, in my experience will outperform almost anything at their old price.
My query is: the proposed 52 is a used, though updated, unit. Its price is 50% less than a new one. Will the new proposed system (LP12-Ekos-Arkiv 1-Linto/Ikemi/52-Supercap/250/AV-5140 make sense? Or perhaps someone will kindly suggest an alternative (I have read today on this same board that the Ikemi does not work well with the Naim gear, and I can still exchange it as the dealer sells both Naim and Linn brands). These changes are a rather expensive proposition for me and I would hate for it to be a failure.
Thanks to all who will find some time to respond, and best regards from Brooklyn, USA.
Posted on: 18 January 2001 by Bob Edwards
I think James has offered excellent advice, above. The only change I would make would be to definitely get the 52--rarely will you see a used one from a reputable dealer for 1/2 price. I also agree with his suggestion to try the CDX--you might prefer the Ikemi, but given your predilection for Naim sound you might well prefer the CDX.
Speakers are difficult--if you like the 5140s, try to borrow them over the weekend and see if you like them on a longer trial. You really should try SBLs--they rank as the 2nd most musical speaker I have heard (DBLs are 1st, NBLs tied with SBL at 2nd). SBLs can be a bit twitchy roomwise but are unmatched at the price for musical communication.
Cheers and good luck !
Bob @ Qwest
Ride the Light !
PS--Visit these three stores: Innovative Audio, Ears Nova (be strong !) and Accent on Music (bit of a trip but well worth it !)?
Posted on: 18 January 2001 by David Dever
quote:
For many years now my system has consisted of LP12-Ekos-Arkiv 1(rebuilt)/Linto/Meridian CD 200-203 CD combo/32.5-Hicap/250/Sara 9s. My music listening is totally classical and opera. There appeared some buzz in the speakers some months ago and the dealer, after listening to it in my house, suggested recapping the 250. Which is what I did and it mostly helped.
If you had it sent to NANA, chances are I was the technician who did the work. Glad to see that it helped--it almost always does.
quote:
Now, the unforseen product of this event was my almost impulsive purchasing of the Linn Ikemi CD player. And that has opened a predictable can of worms: although the CDs all of a sudden took on a completely new (and beautiful) life, the sound, sonically speaking, hovers in the upper and bottom parts of the frequency range, without the former - if grainy - fullness that the old and admittedly obsolete Meredian CD combo provided.
Try comparing your Ikemi to another one at the dealer, if you feel that there may be something amiss. You may also want to try a CD5 + FLATCAP 2 (roughly same price range) instead, as this will surely fit into your existing system quite well, especially given your musical preferences.
If you get the sources sorted out first, a preamplifier (+ power supply) or speaker upgrade will normalize to your expectations about the existing system.
Hope this helps / call us if it doesn't,
Dave Dever, NANA
[This message was edited by David Dever, NANA on FRIDAY 19 January 2001 at 05:55.]
