AMP REVIEW： Streaming LYNGDORF TDAI-1120 -Sophisticated Sound!
United States of Analog | February 3, 2024
🎙️ Early Video Analysis
What is this video about?
This video is a review of the Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 all-digital streaming amplifier. The host Bob is covering its features, form factor, setup process, and plans to do sound comparisons with other amplifiers and test it with various speakers to determine if it’s suitable for audiophiles.
What gear, products, or brands are discussed?
- Lyngdorf TDAI-1120: $2,400 all-digital streaming amplifier, 60 watts per channel at 8 ohms, 7.3 pounds, designed and manufactured in Denmark, owned by Steinway
- Origin Hi-Fi: Austin, Texas dealer that loaned the amplifier for review
- Steinway: Parent company of Lyngdorf, known for pianos
- Lyngdorf Remote Control app: Required smartphone app for controlling the amplifier (no physical remote included, but one can be purchased separately)
What are the host’s main opinions or takes so far?
- [00:00:05] The amplifier has given him “so many OMG moments” over the past couple weeks
- [00:00:21] Describes it as “the James Bond of amplifiers” – stately, smart, and stealthy
- [00:02:34] Spoiler alert: He thinks it’s right for him and considers it “one of the best things I’ve heard in the last few months”
- [00:03:20] Acknowledges the audio industry is moving toward digital/Class D amplifiers – more cost effective, efficient, and smaller footprint
- [00:03:34] Compares digital amplifiers to the Cybertruck revolutionizing automobiles
- [00:06:33] Setup is “super easy, super intuitive”
What are the host’s main recommendations or warnings to viewers?
- [00:05:04] Warning: Binding posts are not mirror image (unlike most amplifiers), so be careful to maintain proper phase when connecting speakers
- [00:06:38] Strong recommendation: Download the Lyngdorf Remote Control app “straight away” – don’t waste time, you’ll need it
- [00:07:02] Warning: The back panel connections are very tight with limited real estate
What are the host’s notable comparisons between products?
- [00:02:52] Explains why he named his channel “United States of Analog” instead of “United States of Audio” (thought it was cooler)
- [00:04:41] Distinguishes quality concert sound from “arena concerts because that sound is usually hot trash”
Summary
In this opening portion of the review, host Bob introduces the Lyngdorf TDAI-1120, a $2,400 all-digital streaming amplifier that has impressed him significantly over the past few weeks. He describes the 7.3-pound Danish-made unit as the “James Bond of amplifiers” and gives away early that he considers it one of the best components he’s heard recently, calling it suitable for his own system. The amplifier outputs 60 watts per channel and is owned by Steinway, lending credibility to its musical reproduction capabilities.
Bob acknowledges the apparent contradiction of reviewing an all-digital product on a channel called “United States of Analog,” but defends this by noting the industry’s inevitable movement toward digital amplification technologies. He draws parallels between digital amplifiers and the Cybertruck’s potential to revolutionize transportation, suggesting that digital audio products will continue improving and becoming more prevalent due to their efficiency and compact form factors.
The host outlines the amplifier’s comprehensive feature set, including multiple digital and analog inputs, built-in streaming capabilities (Spotify, Tidal, Roon, etc.), and most importantly, Lyngdorf’s proprietary “Room Perfect” room correction technology. He emphasizes that setup is intuitive but warns viewers about the tight rear panel spacing and non-standard binding post layout, while strongly recommending immediate download of the required smartphone control app since no physical remote is included.
⏱️ Mid-Video Analysis
Gear, products, or brands discussed:
- [00:10:03] Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 amp (main subject)
- [00:10:03] NAD C3050
- [00:10:03] Technics SUG700
- [00:10:16] Naim Unity Atom
- [00:10:39] Klipsch Forte 4s speakers
- [00:10:39] KEF LS50 Meta speakers
- [00:10:55] Heiko Aurora 300 speakers
- [00:14:17] Onkyo RZ50 (with DIRAC room correction)
- [00:08:03] Room Perfect room correction system
Host’s key findings, verdicts, or opinions:
- [00:07:20] The unit is “so stately, so beautiful” that you’ll want it displayed on top of your cabinet
- [00:11:07] Describes the amp as “intelligent,” “sophisticated,” and “agile” like James Bond
- [00:11:25] Notes it’s 60 watts digital – “not a lot of muscle” but not underpowered
- [00:11:32] Recommends high efficiency speakers for this model
- [00:11:45] Suggests pairing with speakers “on the dark side of neutral”
- [00:11:51] Emphasizes the amp “delivers music with speed and precision”
- [00:13:27] “Cannot overemphasize how important and how amazing the Room Perfect calibration or correction is”
- [00:14:38] Will “never look at Room Correction the same way” after this experience
Listening tests or sound quality observations:
- [00:12:02] With LS50 Meta: “too much detail” – revealed imperfections in recordings
- [00:12:06] Hotel California MQA test revealed so many flaws he questioned if it sounded better on FM radio
- [00:12:52] Aurora and Klipsch pairing worked well due to their warm characteristics
- [00:13:38] Before room correction: sounded “good, great, fantastic”
- [00:13:55] After room correction: sound “expanded so wide” with phenomenal instrument definition and spatial placement
- [00:14:29] With 2.1 system and subwoofer: “wow, unbelievable”
Comparisons to other gear:
- [00:10:03] Compared to NAD C3050 and Technics SUG700 (both owned)
- [00:10:16] Also compared to Naim Unity Atom from previous review
- [00:14:17] Contrasted Room Perfect with DIRAC in Onkyo RZ50 home theater system
Vinyl records, albums, or music discussed:
- [00:12:06] Hotel California (MQA format) – used as test track but revealed too many recording imperfections
- [00:13:51] Mentioned using “vinyl” and “SACD” for testing after room calibration
Audiophile tips, advice, or how-to content:
- [00:07:16] Setup tip: “Try to get everything connected before you push it into your cabinet” due to tight rear connections
- [00:08:38] Room correction setup: Allow 30 minutes to an hour for first-time setup; about 20 minutes for each subsequent correction
- [00:09:11] Place microphone at “focus” position (your main listening position) first
- [00:09:32] Then place microphone randomly 5-6 times throughout the room in different positions and orientations
- [00:11:32] Recommends high efficiency speakers for this 60-watt amp
- [00:11:45] Advises pairing with speakers “on the darker side of neutral”
Memorable quotes or strong takes:
- [00:10:21] “Here in the United States of analog, we don’t get too technical. We listen not only with our ears, but we listen with our heart”
- [00:11:01] “Why did I refer to this amplifier as the James Bond of amplifiers?”
- [00:12:17] About Hotel California: “I really started thinking that it sounded better on FM radio”
- [00:13:55] Describing room correction impact: “The sound went from this to this. It expanded so wide”
- [00:14:38] “I will never look at Room Correction the same way”
Summary:
The host begins by praising the Lyngdorf TDAI-1120’s beautiful aesthetics and walks through the Room Perfect room correction setup process, noting it takes 30 minutes to an hour initially and about 20 minutes for each speaker change. He explains the calibration involves placing a microphone at your main listening position first, then randomly throughout the room 5-6 times while the system measures and corrects for room acoustics.
Moving to sound quality evaluation, the host compares the 1120 to his owned NAD C3050, Technics SUG700, and previously reviewed Naim Unity Atom using Klipsch Forte 4s, KEF LS50 Metas, and Heiko Aurora 300 speakers. He characterizes the amp as the “James Bond of amplifiers” – intelligent, sophisticated, and agile rather than muscular, noting its 60 watts of digital power works best with high-efficiency speakers that lean toward the warmer side of neutral. The LS50 Metas proved too revealing, exposing recording flaws in Hotel California that made him question the track’s audiophile reputation.
The standout revelation was the Room Perfect correction system’s dramatic impact on sound quality. While the amp sounded great initially, enabling room correction created a transformative experience with dramatically expanded soundstage and precise instrument placement that completely changed his perspective on room correction technology. Having only experienced DIRAC in complex home theater setups before, the clear benefits in a 2.1 system were undeniable and will influence how he approaches future audio evaluations.
🏁 Final Thoughts & Verdict
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this final portion:
- [00:15:02] MoFi Studio Deck turntable with Master Tracker cartridge
- [00:16:56] Technics SUG 700 amplifier (70W x 2, $2,900)
- [00:17:45] NAD C3050 (Class D, 100W x 2, $1,400)
- [00:18:23] Naim Unity Atom ($3,800, 40W x 2)
- Throughout Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 with Room Perfect room correction
What is the host’s final verdict or conclusion:
[00:19:31] “Overall, I think you’re going to love the Lingdorf Total Digital Amp 1120. I did. I don’t want to let it go”
[00:20:52] “This is a fantastic, fantastic unit”
[00:21:09] “Like I said, it’s the James Bond of amplifiers. It’ll sneak up on you”
[00:21:13] “This really is a great product for just about anybody looking for a compact streaming amp”
Final recommendations — buy, skip, or consider:
[00:15:29] Recommends pairing with “speakers on the warmer side of neutral, the darker side of neutral”
[00:16:37] Strong recommendation: “Don’t forget to do the Room Perfect room correction. It is not a subtle difference. It will slap you in the face, literally, with your favorite music”
[00:20:44] “Please take your time to dig in to the Lingdorf app and set this thing up right. You will be rewarded in multitudes”
Final tips, caveats, or advice for viewers:
[00:15:27] Troubleshooting tip: If turntable lacks punch, “dig deeper into the menu” to adjust gain/incoming sensitivity
[00:15:55] “Learn the app. Dig in deep. There’s a lot in there”
[00:16:05] Recommends the “focus position” for solo listening and “open setting”
[00:19:41] Lists minor nitpicks: closely spaced inputs/outputs, no display art, no remote power supply, 20-minute calibration time when swapping speakers
[00:19:11] Suggests using phone for album art display rather than relying on unit’s subdued display
How did the video wrap up:
[00:21:24] Host expresses interest in testing Lyngdorf speakers with the amp
[00:21:29] Direct appeal to Lyngdorf: “If you’re listening, Lingdorf, I’m right here in the United States of Analog, and so are you”
[00:21:37] Standard outro: “We’ll see you next time on the United States of Analog. And don’t forget to like and subscribe”
[00:21:44] Humorous ending with someone asking about returning the unit, host reluctantly agreeing to “hang on to this for a few minutes”
Memorable closing quotes or strong final opinions:
[00:16:41] “It will slap you in the face, literally, with your favorite music” (about Room Perfect)
[00:21:09] “Like I said, it’s the James Bond of amplifiers. It’ll sneak up on you”
[00:20:50] “You will be rewarded in multitudes”
Summary:
In this final portion, the host provides crucial setup advice and comparative analysis of the Lyngdorf TDAI-1120. He shares an important troubleshooting tip about turntable integration, explaining how adjusting the gain settings in the menu transformed his MoFi Studio Deck’s performance from disappointing to “phenomenal.” He emphasizes the importance of exploring the app’s deep feature set, including tone controls, EQ presets, and room correction settings, particularly praising the “focus position” for solo listening.
The host then conducts detailed comparisons with competing amplifiers, including his beloved Technics SUG 700 ($2,900), the NAD C3050 ($1,400), and the Naim Unity Atom ($3,800). While acknowledging that some competitors might have slightly more “punch” or visual appeal, he concludes that the Lyngdorf’s Room Perfect room correction technology and integrated streaming capabilities give it a significant advantage. He repeatedly stresses the transformative effect of the room correction, describing it as anything but subtle.
The review concludes with an enthusiastic endorsement, calling the unit “fantastic” and comparing it to “the James Bond of amplifiers” that will “sneak up on you.” Despite noting minor criticisms like closely spaced connections and the lack of a remote power supply, he strongly recommends the amp for anyone seeking a compact streaming solution. The video ends on a humorous note with someone asking about returning the unit, while the host clearly doesn’t want to let it go, reinforcing his genuine appreciation for the product.
Analysis generated from archived transcripts. Channel: United States of Analog — hi-fi gear reviews, vinyl, and audiophile culture.
