Clear, smooth, & thoroughly relaxing reproduction of everything you can throw at it!

I haven't noticed any

I love the sound of the Mimik. It provides a very relaxed (analog like) sound that you can listen to for hours without tiring. I have tried every type of music in my collection and I have loved the reproduction from all of them. I am running the player as the primary source for an Aktiv all Linn system (which is the way to go, if you can swing it), and don't feel myself wanting for anything more!

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This is my first high-end CD player. I had a Sony ES changer, but that hardly counts...

Outstanding information retrieval for a player in this price range. Excellent build quality.

Fussy with respect to partnering equipment and poorly produced CDs. Perhaps not as good a general buy as a Naim CD (hence 3stars for value)

I've had the Linn in my system for many years now and the number of partnering amps and speakers that I have used is testament to the players ability. Originally used in a system with an Audiolab 8000A and Royd Abbotts, the sound was brittle and quickly became wearing. I almost upgraded the CD at this point but fortunately changed amplification instead to an LFD LS2/PA2. The sonic change was incredible with the same speed and dynamics presented in a slightly laid-back manner. Whereas with the 8000A the details were very bright and pushed forward, the amp swap allowed this detail to flourish musically. Changing from the Royds to ProAc response 2s enabled greater dimension to the music with more sturdy positioning of instruments within the soundstage. In this system the Mimik compared favourably to an LP12-Zeta-Koetsu with differences in presentation as opposed to obvious vinyl superiority. Only upon going to a VTL 5.5/MB125 did the limits of the Linn become truly evident. Interestingly delta-sigma dacs are back in vogue thanks to DSD/SACD technology though the first generation of these players (Mimik, Quad 67, Meridian 506) were quite often criticised in the press. I was fortunate enough to hear the three aforementioned players with Trichord clock mods (clock II) with each player benefitting significantly. A convergence in sound quality could be identified with each player gaining the best of the others. I would consider this upgrade a must for owners of any of these machines. Conclusion: An excellent player that perhaps demands ancillary equipment beyond the price point of the player itself. Bright amplification should be avoided (I can't believe that the Mimik would sound good with Linn amps) and the Naim CD3 (and successors) should be tried if your system requires a more organic feel.

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Arcam CD(something) - Yuk Marantz CD10 Meridian 506 Naim CD3 Quad 67

very clean,very musical

none

mimik is upgraded to the new powersupply great suonding piece right now who ever is out there who has the mimik upgrade your mimik

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cap151,speakers audes,cables mit,powercords mit

My dealer tried to demonstrate this only in an all-inn setup - where it seemed punchy if a little bright and lacking in fine detail. However, switch to other makes of amp and speaker and it starts to sound a little thin - and, well, average. In the end I bought a second-hand Meridian 203 instead, which I've now had for a year and like a lot.

I managed to get hold of one of these as a secondhand buy (500 pounds versus 875 pounds new), and frankly, there is little to touch it at either price range. It's construction and finish is exemplary, it's intuitive ease of use a dream. As far as reproduction of music is concerned, it's neutrality revealed hidden depths to CDs I had not heard before. On the downside it does seem very sensitive to the subtleties of interconnects, amplifiers and speaker cable to reveal it's best but it is worth persevering to find the best blend. Although I am not a supporter of the "one make series" advocated in earlier reviews on this page, Linn interconnects seem the best match. Amplification however is best taken to something that will colour it's output more than Linn will; either warmth through valves or crispness of a more upfront integrated (depending on you musical tastes). As far as keeping up with the competition, we all now that Linn is infinitately upgradable (cards and so), and at the very least it has a digital output!

Used as part of an all-Linn system (Wakonda pre-amp, LK100 power amp, Keilidh speakers). I like it - I bought it for classical (particularly baroque) listening and it has the kind of clean, clear "British" sound which my ears like (not everyone's cup of tea I realise). It also is good on error correction, tracking some discs which were completely unplayable on my previous machine. One thing I don't like is the absence of any possibility of upgrade via an outboard DAC - previous Mimiks had this, but not later models. Linn say that the way forward is to buy a (much more expensive) Karik, which is fine for those of use who are bottomless pits of money! Still, it makes a joyful noise, so I can wait.

I am using the Linn Mimik in an all Linn setup. Linn Majik-I (converted to preamp)
Linn LK100
Linn LK100
Linn Aktiv
Linn Keilidh (with ceramic plinth)
Used in an all Linn System it tend to sound very British with emphasis on the vocal side. Very Linnish sound due to my all Linn setup but again I find it very easy listening and easy on the ear. Lacks abit on the clarity department but very musical instead. It tends to weave the music seamlessly. It is a matter of taste. Either you love it or hate it. Tends to grow on you after a while as it is not as "noisy" as some other systems tend to become.

The Linn Mimik is a wonderful CD Player. I have read a few lukewarm reviews of the product, but never really understood them, because in my system it just plays great music. I have made several improvements to the system since I first bought it (passive bi-amp, aktiv bi-amp) and each step along the way has allowed me to hear more of the music that is coming out of this machine. The addition of an inexpensive Adcom line filter really helped things along as well. The Mimik is detailed, is a soundstage and imaging champ, is never hard on the ears, and can rock when you want it to. I have been very pleased with the unit. It would take a lot of money to significantly surpass the sonic enjoyment that I have with the Mimik. For the money (approx $2,000 cdn) it represents a real high end value.

The Mimik was Linn's first "budget" CD player and still is a good performer, even though its successor Linn Genki is better (by a great margin, that is).
It's musical, tuneful and has got that "Linn-ish" sound which makes most music enjoyable. However, it does have some flaws which are evident if You compare it to the new Genki, the new Ikemi or other Hi-end players.
A Mimik handles most music well, but can sound a bit edgy and stressed sometimes. Also, bass could be better, compared to its "big brother" Karik and even more evident - the Genki/Ikemi.
It is a good player though, despite the flaws. I'm quite happy with mine, even though it got *slaughtered* compared to my old LP12...
Other components in my system include:
* Majik-I Amp fitted w. active crossover
* LK100 Power Amp w. active crossover
* Active Keilidh speakers
My next upgrade will probably be trading my Mimik for a new Linn Genki.

If you can find a used Mimik in good condition, it sure is good value.

My rating is 3.75 stars out of 5.