circularlogic
Head-Fier
- Joined
- Feb 16, 2006
- Posts
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First off, I apologize that one of the sources I am reviewing here is out of production. The Linn Ikemi CD Player was discontinued in early 2006 - but is still commonly available from time to time on AudiogoN.
These are not first impressions, I have had both the DA100 and Linn Ikemi for a good deal of time, somewhere on the order of 4-7 months. Just as a disclaimer, most of my listening through both of these sources was done through speakers, not headphones, so many details regarding soundstage and accuracy/detail may be different through headphones. Ultimately, I've been around Head-Fi for about a year and I think it's due time I post some opinions on things.
My original comparison point is the MicroDAC, which I had picked up about a year ago. Honestly, through the equipment I had at the time (a MicroAmp and K701) it was only a marginal improvement over the iPod and X-Fi soundcard. Detail and clarity were improved, though not drastically. However, because none of that old equipment remained after my new source upgrades, I cannot provide an accurate assessment of the MicroDAC as I now possess equipment that is possibly more capable of revealing the advantages of the MicroDAC.
Three months later, I decided to upgrade my computer source with a better DAC. With the favorable comparisons of the Stello to its bigger brother the DA220 (especially if used in only single-ended mode) at a significantly reduced price, I decided to make the jump. Just for reference, the service and shipping from April Music is outstanding. Despite shipping from Korea (I think!) it arrived in three days and communication was excellent throughout. I did have to later pay some nominal customs fees though.
The DA100 is very detailed and punchy. At a meet I along with a few others had compared it to an Ori-modded Zhalou, and found the DA100 to be more defined and alive. The Zhalou sounded smoothed out and almost dull in comparison.
The DA100 is an extremely satisfying source, retrieving an excellent amount of detail with a very dynamic and punchy presentation. The DA100 has a bit of extra lower-end weight without sacrificing speed. This punchiness contributes to a very rhythmic presentation though the sound is sometimes overwhelmed with detail - especially in the lows.
My revelation came when I was listening to some RS-2's out of a Linn Classik integrated unit in a hifi store. Despite the fact that its headphone out was by no means a dedicated device, there was something entrancing about the sound of the CD Player. It was an outstanding source and I regret not having more listening time to be able to pinpoint what about it was so pleasing. Regardless, I went about auditioning more sources in hopes that I could find the same magic I had heard through the RS-2s. My search didn't take long. I auditioned a Linn Ikemi through some Levinson equipment and some JM Labs Diva Utopias. The experience was absolutely magical. Though in retrospect it was probably a bad assessment seeing as how the equipment I was listening to bore no similarity to the equipment I actually owned
. In any event, auditioning the same equipment with a Meridian G08 was unimpressive in comparison. The G08 actually had better detail and imaging. However there was a musical flair that was lacking - life and sparkle perhaps. But the end result was an unengaging experience, even through such vaunted equipment. I do admit poor synergy could also have had something to do with it.
I had also auditioned other various players, including Arcam units and other DACs, but none of them had as much of an impression on me as the Ikemi. After finding a used unit my immediate impression was delicacy. The Ikemi had a much more careful rendition of the music, delicately emphasizing the music as its focus while remaining spacious and nuanced. Though not as strong in the lower-end as the DA100, it retrieved not only more detail, but more life from the recording. The Ikemi is very airy and musical. It has great pace and timing and an openess that lends itself to more complex passages.
Though in my current setup, I prefer the Ikemi playing all of my source material, convenience often leaves me playing from the computer - and though I do admit the DA100 is not as good as the Ikemi for playback, I must say it is also a very good source.
Stello DA100 ($695+$85 shipping) - Fast and punchy with a bit of thickness in the lows. This however does not make it sound "muddy." Though for more complex music, compared to the Ikemi it does sound confused and tends to sound too detailed, almost analytical. Tendancy to sound "wall-of-soundish" in comparison to the more controlled Ikemi.
Linn Ikemi ($1750-$2200 used) - Open, airy and detailed. Exceptionally musical and sweet sound. Provides a sense of pace and rhythm that if nothing else, gets your foot tapping. Not the last word in bass impact, but does not lack it nor does it sacrifice definition in the lows. Though due to this it often comes across as too forgiving. Not terrible sometimes as it makes bad recordings sound decent.
Just my two cents, happy hunting.
These are not first impressions, I have had both the DA100 and Linn Ikemi for a good deal of time, somewhere on the order of 4-7 months. Just as a disclaimer, most of my listening through both of these sources was done through speakers, not headphones, so many details regarding soundstage and accuracy/detail may be different through headphones. Ultimately, I've been around Head-Fi for about a year and I think it's due time I post some opinions on things.
My original comparison point is the MicroDAC, which I had picked up about a year ago. Honestly, through the equipment I had at the time (a MicroAmp and K701) it was only a marginal improvement over the iPod and X-Fi soundcard. Detail and clarity were improved, though not drastically. However, because none of that old equipment remained after my new source upgrades, I cannot provide an accurate assessment of the MicroDAC as I now possess equipment that is possibly more capable of revealing the advantages of the MicroDAC.
Three months later, I decided to upgrade my computer source with a better DAC. With the favorable comparisons of the Stello to its bigger brother the DA220 (especially if used in only single-ended mode) at a significantly reduced price, I decided to make the jump. Just for reference, the service and shipping from April Music is outstanding. Despite shipping from Korea (I think!) it arrived in three days and communication was excellent throughout. I did have to later pay some nominal customs fees though.
The DA100 is very detailed and punchy. At a meet I along with a few others had compared it to an Ori-modded Zhalou, and found the DA100 to be more defined and alive. The Zhalou sounded smoothed out and almost dull in comparison.
The DA100 is an extremely satisfying source, retrieving an excellent amount of detail with a very dynamic and punchy presentation. The DA100 has a bit of extra lower-end weight without sacrificing speed. This punchiness contributes to a very rhythmic presentation though the sound is sometimes overwhelmed with detail - especially in the lows.
My revelation came when I was listening to some RS-2's out of a Linn Classik integrated unit in a hifi store. Despite the fact that its headphone out was by no means a dedicated device, there was something entrancing about the sound of the CD Player. It was an outstanding source and I regret not having more listening time to be able to pinpoint what about it was so pleasing. Regardless, I went about auditioning more sources in hopes that I could find the same magic I had heard through the RS-2s. My search didn't take long. I auditioned a Linn Ikemi through some Levinson equipment and some JM Labs Diva Utopias. The experience was absolutely magical. Though in retrospect it was probably a bad assessment seeing as how the equipment I was listening to bore no similarity to the equipment I actually owned
I had also auditioned other various players, including Arcam units and other DACs, but none of them had as much of an impression on me as the Ikemi. After finding a used unit my immediate impression was delicacy. The Ikemi had a much more careful rendition of the music, delicately emphasizing the music as its focus while remaining spacious and nuanced. Though not as strong in the lower-end as the DA100, it retrieved not only more detail, but more life from the recording. The Ikemi is very airy and musical. It has great pace and timing and an openess that lends itself to more complex passages.
Though in my current setup, I prefer the Ikemi playing all of my source material, convenience often leaves me playing from the computer - and though I do admit the DA100 is not as good as the Ikemi for playback, I must say it is also a very good source.
Stello DA100 ($695+$85 shipping) - Fast and punchy with a bit of thickness in the lows. This however does not make it sound "muddy." Though for more complex music, compared to the Ikemi it does sound confused and tends to sound too detailed, almost analytical. Tendancy to sound "wall-of-soundish" in comparison to the more controlled Ikemi.
Linn Ikemi ($1750-$2200 used) - Open, airy and detailed. Exceptionally musical and sweet sound. Provides a sense of pace and rhythm that if nothing else, gets your foot tapping. Not the last word in bass impact, but does not lack it nor does it sacrifice definition in the lows. Though due to this it often comes across as too forgiving. Not terrible sometimes as it makes bad recordings sound decent.
Just my two cents, happy hunting.
