[tjkurita]

I have a question. Maybe someone can give me some advice. There is a used Linn Mimik on Audiogon for $500. It is an older unit. The downside is that it has no digital out in case I want to upgrade to outboard DAC at some point, also, the parts for the laser and most of the rest of the transport are no longer available, so if that part crashed, I wouldn't be able to get it repaired. It would then be pretty useless in that case. On the plus side, the price is pretty damn good.

The other option is a new Linn Genki. By all accounts, the Genki sounds significantly better than the Mimik. It is a newer model, and would come with Linn's 5 year warranty. It does have a digital out, as well as a volume control. The down side, obviously is that it costs $1700. More than 3 times more than the used Mimik.

I guess the question is whether the Genki is 3 times more player than the Mimik. I don't usually upgrade on a whim. I've had my Denon 340 for about 8 years now. As long as it works I will keep using it. But I think it is about time I upgraded to something I will use for another 8-10 years. I have to assume the Mimik won't make it this long. Maybe the Genki might even be a gamble, but the warranty will be valid for half that time.

Thanks to Drewski for recommending the Linn products. Also thanks to Tom Hankins for his suggestions, but Cyrus is too expensive for me.

Any advice would be appreciated. What would you do?

 

[tom hankins]

Think: "Team Genki"

 

[tjkurita]

It does have a ring to it, doesn't it. In Japanese "Genki" means "happy or cheerful." I think I would be if I got one of those bad boys. May have to become a founding member of Team: Genki.

 

[KShaft]

There are a lot of options at this price point($1700)

Unless you are dead set on the Genki, Id suggest you look around on audiogon and keep your options open; or at least wait a little while and see if one used comes up. You are in all likelyness going to save at least %40 or more.

Have a good one,
k.s.

 

[kuma]

Quote:

Originally posted by tjkurita I guess the question is whether the Genki is 3 times more player than the Mimik. I don't usually upgrade on a whim. I've had my Denon 340 for about 8 years now. As long as it works I will keep using it. But I think it is about time I upgraded to something I will use for another 8-10 years. I have to assume the Mimik won't make it this long. Maybe the Genki might even be a gamble, but the warranty will be valid for half that time.

I used to have original Mimik without an updated brilliant power supply. It is an excellent unit and makes music in spite its short coming.
Does Genki sounds 3 times better than Mimik?
I doubt it. Hard to put a value on cost/performance ratio.

Having a valid warranty is a definite plus especially for digital products. Linn's 5 year warranty probably does not cover the transport ( normaly 2 years for moving mechanical parts ) but, some hi-end companies, if you are an original purchaser from their dealer, would fix it no charge.

If you haven't listened to any Linn products, you should try borrwing one and few others from a dealer and decide if it's worth it even considering other advantages.

After all it's gotta sound good in your system. They are many many sub 1700$ players out there but, no guarantee you'll like 'em all.

I don't know which fones you are using, but, Linn stuff does well with Grado fones.

I've used it with SR-225/325/RS-2/RA1 for the longest time.

Incidentaly, Genki sounds like as its name suggests. "happy and healthy"

 

[daycart1]

The non-HT Linn Classik cdp/receiver/integrated can be had NIB for cheap these days. Unless you are really set for amplification and radio, this is the way to go.
Otherwise, either of those CDP would be great.

 

[zzz]

used ikemi.

 

[tjkurita]

I have found that the Genki uses the Phillips cd-12 pro transport. A good, common transport that can be replaced (probably long into the future). It is not proprietary, like the Ikemi transport. And the Genki has a D/O so it can be connected to an outboard DAC. The reason I like Linn is because of the small footprint, good warranty and very good reputation.

I think I have made my decision: Genki.

Thanks for all the comments. Maybe I will post a WTB add on audiogon first.

Thanks.

 

[Andrew Pielet]

Well, a used Ikemi is over $2500. The genki has HDCD which is important to me, maybe not so much for you. The Genki also has Varible volume output, so you only need an amp, so that might save you some cash in the short run. Why are you looking for a used Mimik but a new Genki?

 

[tjkurita]

The used mimik is readily available. I have found it is tough to find a used Genki. Also, Genki replaced the mimik in the Linn lineup. So a new unit from Linn at the lower price would be the Genki. I can't afford an Ikemi.

I am not going to go used right now. I'm going new. Going to audition the Genki tomorrow. What is the markup on new Hi-Fi? Why are HD600 $279 at Headroom, but full retail ~$450 from hi-fi stores.

Should I look to pay less than the $1700 list price for a Linn source?

Thanks.

 

[zzz]

I've seen a used ikemi go for $1800 before.

anyway, my personal recommendation for a good player in that price range would be a used cary 303/200 which can be had for around $1.5k-1.7k. is it better than ikemi? dunno, it's probably more of a preference thing. from my memory of it, ikemi is too polite for me to enjoy it now. cary seems to be a more balanced player. you're going to hear the genki, thus you'll have an idea on what it sounds like. I recommend you to try auditioning the cary as well (shouldn't be too hard to find a dealer in nyc), so that you'd be able to choose the player you yourself actually like the best.

as far as I know, genki and all cary players use the same transport mechanism.

from what I've heard, you can't get much of a discount from linn dealers, except maybe if you're buying a cd12. it never hurts to try talking them down a little though

. also, maybe they would agree to sell you the demo model which normally comes with the same warranty as the new one.

 

[tjkurita]

Thanks, ZZZ. It's hard to tell with prices. I know that when it comes to new guitar equipment, the suggested list price is often 20-30% more than what the dealers sell the stuff for. I guess it doesn't work the same way with hi-fi. I will try the Cary unit. I was really interested in the Linn unit because of how small it is. Space is an issue for me. But I'm not married to the idea and if I find a better unit in the same range, I would probably go with whatever sounds best.

 

[Andrew Pielet]

You would be doing yourself a huge favor buying demo or used. Your money will go twice as far. You can look at most HiFi retailers for the MSRP of items you are looking for. If you do decide to go for Linn, I have a friend who works at the only authorized dealer in Chicago, and he will give you a good deal even in NYC. Just drop me a PM and we can work it out. I got %30 off my Sizmik, and it was new. Just wait a few days/weeks and more will show up on Audiogon. 3 weeks ago there was at least 4 Genki(s?) up for sale.

 

[TimSchirmer]

*cough* you can get krell at that price *cough*

 

[tom hankins]

I heard there was a discount Krell line forming? Is this the discount Krell line? Back on thread now, I just saved $3K buying a demo over a new CDP and got the full warranty. It wasn't advertised I just bugged the hell out of them. Don't be afraid to ask and make offers.