I could write pages, but I'll sum it up - The Karik III/Numerik II just plays music - HIGH FIDELITY!

If you love Levinson, Krell and Classé, you could find some, but if you love music, you can't wish for more!

My review is for the Karik III/Numerik II combo.

In my oppinion this is the best player on the market, it plays A LOT more music than the Ikemi (which has way too lean bass and is way to up front if you ask me), but it sounds less hifi'ish and impressive, so no wonder some people prefer the Ikemi, at least until they come to their senses! :-)

Now the Ikemi has been introduced the Karik/Numerik can be found cheap 2nd hand and it makes it a great bargain.

I have discovered that all new Linn products sound best together - one should not mix i.e. Ikemi with Kaber speakers and Karik/Numerik with Ninka - the overall sound just doesn't have timing.

I believe the "new" Linn products are not as good as the "old" ones - I personally do not like the new sound, which i too lean and upfront.

I love the Karik/Numerik player and the Klout amp and recommend them to all music lovers!

Best Regards
David

Similar Products Used:

All Linn, All Classé, All Sony ES, All Holfi, All S-series from Denon, All Thule, Advantage T1/DAC1, SAT CDFIX, Vincent's biggest, Some big Marantz models, Rotel 965BXLE/971990/991AE, Mission DAD3, Wadia 830 and 21, Copland 288.

No color, great precision, and good price

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I've got Numerik+Karik III great music I had the two piece for 2.5K and it does a real great job but it is not as good as the Ikemi. The Ikemi was a little bit more precision.
The YBA CD3 sounded good, but it was less precise.

Similar Products Used:

3D Labs, Teac P30, YBA CD3

I listened to these before finally buying a Meridian 508-20 about a year ago.Are the people a Lynn kidding? If I wanted a cd player with overhyped lows and highs, I would buy a used vintage 80's first generation Sony.

Found the Karik 3 coupled to the Numerik stunning. Mind you it is in an all Linn active set up (except the cartridge). Other players in the same price bracket couldn't give that tingle factor. Have you tried the static stuff from Russ Andrews? It's unbelievable.

The Linn Karik is one of those products that seems to inspire a love it or hate it reaction. My experience is suggests that the middle ground is perhaps the more reasonable. As an integrated CD player the Karik sounds slightly dry but very musical. As such it is probably not the answer for people who are looking for an "audiophile" type player that allows you to count the flutes or bassoons in an orchestra. However, that is not the point of the Karik. It was originally released as a transport only to feed the Numerik-- thus, the two box Linn CD player. It was only later that a D/A module was added, the idea being that people could enjoy the Karik now and add the Numerik later. Linn knew that it had to sound good, and it does--I think it is comparable with other machines at its price. Some will prefer the Karik, others will prefer something else.
I understand that reliability has been a problem with some of them, but in terms of sound quality, when matched with an appropriate system, it is a very good sounding player. As mentioned in another review, siting is critical. When everything is set up properly, the Karik is well worth listening to. And when coupled with the latest Numerik it forms a 2 box player that is very close to state of the art at a relatively reasonable price.

I am giving it 5 stars to help offset the 1 star review; in real terms it is probably a 4 star player on its own and a definite 5 star with the Numerik. Thoroughly enjoyable.

I totally agree with David Lee (see below). I heard the Karik at the Paris High-end Show in April 99. The sound was OK, but you can get the same for ten times less. For the price, buy a DCS Elgar and an excellent drive. One as to be mad to pay so much for that player. I supposed it was optimized when I heard it, since it was on the Linn stand with Linn gear. I was not impressed by their amps or loudspeaker either.Last but not least, for this price: the Karik is elegant, but disapointingly small.

Kairn is very controlled and precise and works best in all Linn system. Simple but strong case. Brilliant power supply controlls mains of all voltages and frequencies. With Numerik probably 5 stars but 4 without.

pure music, that's what its all about.

I could'ent believe my ears, it sounds better in many regards than our LP12. Overall I would now choose the Karik/Numerik combo for musical expression and enjoyment. Highest marks, tough act to follow, let alone beat!

Just plain entertaining

Well, after having visited this site, and then having happening upon this player with so many reviews, I thought I would have a listen for myself. First off, what a beautiful sound! What tremendous build quality. I have never been so entertained by just the sheer music of a cd as was when sitting and auditioning. The Karik/Numerik combo just blew most everything away! The only thing that did some, but not most things better was the ikemi also by Linn. The supporting cast: Karin pre-amp, two Lk85's and a pair of active Tukans. Incredible, just *^%#V@! incredible! EASY ***** out *****. If I could afford it, I would buy it...man, what a beautiful sound!

Similar Products Used:

Arcam, naim, sim, merridian

Beautiful clear sound

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Clear sound and beautiful craftmanship typical of Linn. Good sound stage. Excellent value now that the Ikemi has replaced it. Would like to get my hands on the Numerik to hook it up to the Karik for a demo, but I am already pleased with what I hear. Requires a good match to get full potential. Linn amp/pre-amp combos should get best results. However, I just completed a progressive up-grade of my system with trade-ins + $ for my old Linn LK280/LK1/Mission DAC-DAT/B&W Matrix 803 speaker for Classe CP40/CA150/Linn Keilidh speakers. My listening room is not ideal, but I am adressing the problem as you read this; and still, I can hear the potential. Even though I am very pleased with my system, the Karik is THE key element that really makes the difference. And what a tremendous value on the used market.

Similar Products Used:

Meridian 506, Rega Planet 2000, Linn Ikemi, Mission DAC/DAT