The Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 connected amplifier has everything you need to listen to music in the best possible conditions. AirPlay 2 certified and equipped with a built-in Chromecast, the Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 can easily stream music wirelessly from a smartphone, tablet or computer. Spotify Connect compatible, capable of accessing Internet radios and certified Roon Ready, it can play Hi-Res audio files stored on a USB flash drive or an external hard drive connected to its USB port, and can also stream music shared over the local network (DLNA/UPnP). This latest generation amplifier also benefits from Bluetooth connectivity and a CEC-compatible HDMI ARC connector for connecting a 4K Ultra HD TV or even an 8K UHD TV.
The Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 amplifier can deliver 2 x 60 watts into 8 ohms and 2 x 120 watts into 4 ohms. As a result, it has no problem powering the vast majority of compact speakers on the market as well as a large number of floorstanding speakers.
On top of that, the Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 amplifier is equipped with the proprietary RoomPerfect acoustic correction technology. It comes with a microphone and a stand that allows you to calibrate your speakers depending on the acoustic characteristics of the room.
Sold for €1,999, the Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 is the most affordable model in the Danish manufacturer’s range. Can it compete with reputable connected amps such as the NAD M10 or the Naim Uniti Atom?
Lyngdorf TDAI-1120: the brand
Peter Lyngdorf began his career as an audiophile entrepreneur as an audio equipment distributor in 1975 before setting up his own chain of stores in 1980 called HiFi Klubben. Specializing in the sale of hi-fi and video equipment, his network of stores quickly expanded to Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Holland and Germany.
In 1983, Peter Lyngdorf founded DALI (Danish Audiophile Loudspeaker Industries) with the goal of designing loudspeakers and drivers that offered a natural and faithful sound at competitive prices. The company soon became successful and the Dali brand quickly made a name for itself in the hi-fi world.
The acquisition of the American brands Snell Acoustics (owned entirely by Lyngdorf from July 1989 to September 1996) and NAD Electronics (owned entirely by Lyngdorf from October 1991 to May 1997) made Peter Lyngdorf aware of the need to explore the limits of audio technology. The premises of the acoustic correction technology developed by Kevin Voecks, founder of Snell Acoustics, were therefore presented at the Consumer Electronics Show in 1992. The investment in 1997 in the Danish start-up Toccata Technology, the creator of EQUIBIT technology, led to the development of a fully digital amplifier: the Millennium.
The foundations were laid to create the Lyngdorf company in 2005, which is dedicated to integrating the most effective audiophile sound correction system possible into its digital amplifiers. The goal is to adapt the sound reproduction of the speakers to the acoustics of the listening room with the help of digital signal processing (DSP) technology by measuring both the characteristics and capacities of the speakers and the acoustic characteristics of the room in which they are installed.
As a result, Lyngdorf RoomPerfect acoustic correction technology is designed for all audiophiles who listen to music in a room that isn’t optimized and for whom acoustic treatments are not an option or effective enough.
The Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 connected amplifier that we’re reviewing today is part of this approach and is currently the gateway into the Danish manufacturer’s amplifier range.
Lyngdorf TDAI-1120: packaging & accessories
The Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 connected amplifier comes with a power cable, a user manual, a quick start guide and a microphone for the acoustic calibration of the speakers. The latter is accompanied by a special 8-meter long connection cable with XLR connectors, and a telescopic stand.
Unfortunately the remote control is sold separately (€87), which is a bit stingy… Fortunately everything can be controlled via the app.
Lyngdorf TDAI-1120: presentation
The Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 amplifier delivers The Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 amp delivers 2 x 60 watts of power into 8 ohms and 2 x 120 watts into 4 ohms to power all types of compact and floorstanding speakers with ease. It has a built-in Chromecast module, is Spotify Connect and AirPlay2 compatible, is Roon Ready, and can also play Hi-Res audio files via USB and over the local network (DLNA/UPnP). The Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 WiFi Bluetooth amp also has Bluetooth connectivity and an ARC HDMI connector that is CEC compatible for connecting a 4K Ultra HD TV or even an 8K UHD TV. It is also equipped with the proprietary RoomPerfect acoustic correction technology and comes with a microphone that allows you to calibrate your speakers depending on the acoustic characteristics of the room.
Design
The Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 amplifier is very compact at only 30cm wide, 10cm high and 26cm deep. Its metal chassis is adorned with a matte black coating and its simple front panel is divided into two parts: on the right, the control interface with the power/standby button, the source selector and the volume potentiometer, on the left, the control screen with white characters on a black background.
The screen only displays the selected source as the volume level is indicated by a luminous ring around the volume potentiometer. It is not very precise but fortunately, the volume level is clearly indicated in the control application.
Note that the screen has a glossy finish that is very reflective and attracts dust. It’s a good idea to keep a microfiber cloth nearby if you want to keep it looking clean.
Connectivity
The Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 is compatible with several wireless audio streaming protocols, making it suitable for a wide range of configurations, regardless of whether it is connected to the local network via Ethernet cable or WiFi.
First of all, it is Spotify Connect compatible, which means that it connects directly to the servers of this major online streaming service, therefore freeing the smartphone from this load as soon as the playback of a track or a playlist starts. Even with the smartphone turned off, playback continues.
This Lyngdorf connected amplifier also includes a Chromecast module, which allows you to stream any audio application from a smartphone or an Android tablet. Deezer, Qobuz, Tidal, Amazon Music but also the podcast services of your favorite radio are therefore supported. Launch the relevant app, click on the Google Cast symbol at the top right of the screen and choose the Lyngdorf amp as your playback device to instantly play the desired program. It’s that simple.
Users of Apple smartphones and tablets aren’t left out, as the Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 is also Apple AirPlay 2 compatible and therefore offers the same wireless streaming possibilities from an iPhone, iPad, iMac or MacBook simply by selecting it as the destination in the chosen music application.
Support for Chromecast and AirPlay 2 protocols also allows the Lyngdorf amplifier to be integrated into a multi-room audio system consisting of wireless speakers and amplifiers compatible with one or the other.
Add to that Roon Ready certification, Hi-Res audio playback on USB devices and via the local network (DLNA/UPnP) as well as Bluetooth connectivity and you have one of the most versatile connected amps available.
Connectors
If you own one or several analog and digital audio sources, it is possible to connect them to the Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 amplifier. For this, it is equipped with 4 digital inputs (2 coaxial and 2 optical), an RCA line input and even a Phono input with an integrated RIAA preamplifier to connect a turntable.
The HDMI ARC connector allows you to connect a 4K Ultra HD TV or an 8K UHD TV to transmit sound in stereo. In this case, it is important to make sure that the TV’s audio output is set to PCM (the amplifier does not decode Dolby Digital Plus or other cinema formats). Note that the support of the HDMI CEC protocol allows you to control the volume of the playback with the TV’s remote control.
RoomPerfect
One of the Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 amplifier’s main strengths is the RoomPerfect microphone calibration system, which allows the user to correct the acoustic effects of the room by precisely calibrating the speakers. Using the microphone supplied with the amplifier, the user can take multiple measurements in the listening room. The amplifier then automatically defines an equalization curve for the sound and compensates for echo and level differences in the required frequency ranges.
Developed by an army of acoustical engineers under the direction of Peter Lyngdorf, RoomPerfect technology took more than two decades of audio research and development to perfect. This intelligent calibration system identifies the sound characteristics of the speakers and also takes specific measurements of the acoustics of the room in which they are installed. It then applies corrections to the signal that allow you to enjoy sound that is perfectly adapted to the shape, size and acoustic properties of the listening room while preserving the acoustic qualities of the speakers.
RoomPerfect was developed to achieve optimal music reproduction in high fidelity, which is a far more demanding domain than home theater. The RoomPerfect system is unique in that it preserves the sound of the speakers rather than changing it according to the target curve dictated by the room’s acoustic correction system. This means that RoomPerfect works differently than all alternative calibration solutions and offers a different level of performance and consistency.
The RoomPerfect app gives the user some freedom when positioning the speakers in the room. If they are placed against a wall, for example, the bass will be mechanically amplified by the wall. RoomPerfect allows you to correct these frequency response imperfections.
Lyngdorf TDAI-1120: key specifications
Amplification
- Power rating:
– 2 x 120W RMS (4 ohms)
– 2 x 60W RMS (8 ohms) - Max output current: 30A
Audio specifications
- Frequency response: ±0,5dB from 20 to 20,000Hz
- Total harmonic distortion: 0.05% max from 20 to 20,000Hz
- THD-N 1w/8 ohms: 0.04%
- THD-N 1w/4 ohms: 0.04%
EQ
- RoomPerfect
- Pre-equalizer
- ICC (Inter Sample Clipping Correction)
- 32 x adjustable channels using up to 8 filters with adjustable gain and Q
Media player
- Internet Radio (vTuner)
- Spotify Connect
- Roon Ready
- Chromecast built-in
- DLNA Support (uPnP/DLNA) :
– AAC (320 kbps, 44.1kHz max)
– AIFF (384kHz, 16-bit max)
– ALAC (192kHz, 24-bit max)
– FLAC (192kHz, 24-bit max)
– MP3 (320 kbps, 48kHz & VBR, 48kHz max)
– Ogg vorbis (192kHz max)
– Wav (192kHz, 32-bit max)
– WMA - AirPlay2
- Bluetooth
- Local file playback (USB)
Wireless connections
- Bluetooth connectivity
- WiFi (802.11n)
Connectors
- 2 x coaxial digital inputs (asynchronous, ≤192kHz/24-bit)
- 2 x optical digital inputs (asynchronous, ≤96 kHz/24-bit)
- 1 x HDMI (TV ARC)
- 1 x Phono input (RIAA / 47kOhms 100pF)
- 1 x analog RCA input (Max level: 4.0V = 0dBFS)
- 1 x microphone input (XLR) for RoomPerfect calibration
- 1 x stereo analog RCA input (75ohm-Max output level 4 Vrms)
Interfaces
- Notched rotating input selector
- Notched and backlit volume potentiometer
- Web-interface for setup and media player,
- Application for IOS and Android
- IP control
- CEC (HDMI)
- 1 x trigger input
- 1 x trigger output
- 1 x RJ45 Ethernet LAN connector
- 1 x USB connector (Type A)
Included accessories
- RoomPerfect microphone
- Telescopic microphone stand
- Microphone cable (8 meters)
General
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 101 x 300 x 260mm (connectors included)
- Weight: 8kg
- Finish: matte black
Lyngdorf TDAI-1120: configuration
Test setup
For our review, we connected the Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 connected amplifier to a pair of Jean-Marie Reynaud Lunna floorstanding speakers using NorStone Arran MC speaker cables mounted with banana plugs. To play audio CDs, we connected the Pioneer UDP-LX500 4K Blu-ray player to the amp’s RCA input using a pair of NorStone Jura RCA cables.
Local network connection
It is possible to connect the Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 amplifier to the local network using an Ethernet cable or via WiFi.
When you choose a wired connection, the amp is instantly detected by the Lyngdorf app when it is turned on and can be used immediately for streaming, volume control and various settings.
If you choose to connect the amp to the local network via WiFi, the configuration requires a smartphone. The procedure will differ depending on whether you are using an iPhone or an Android smartphone.
With an iPhone or iPad, press and hold the Source/Mute button on the amplifier for about 5 seconds until the WiFi symbol flashes slowly. The amp is then detectable in the WiFi menu of the iPhone or iPad in the “Set up an AirPlay speaker” section. Once the Lyngdorf amp is selected, simply follow the on-screen instructions and it will be automatically configured. After a few moments, it will be able to access the same local network as the iPhone or iPad.
Setting up the Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 WiFi with an Android smartphone or tablet is only slightly more time consuming but no more complex. After checking that Bluetooth is enabled on the smartphone, you need to open the Google Home app and click on the plus sign at the top left to open the menu that lets you add a device. Then select “Configure a device” and choose the house in which you want to install it. The scan starts and the amplifier is detected. Then just follow the steps in the app while it configures the WiFi on the amplifier. At the end of the procedure, you can choose the room in which the amplifier is installed and you can rename it if you wish.
Application/web interface
The Lyngdorf app provides access to volume settings, source selection and a list of equalization profiles designed to refine the sound of voices.
To access more advanced settings and perform RoomPerfect calibration, you must go to the amplifier’s web interface, which is accessible by clicking on the gear at the top left of the application’s main screen and selecting “Open device in browser”.
The web interface offers many audio settings and also allows you to rename inputs and enable or disable the CEC protocol on the HDMI port, for example.
Speaker calibration
For the first measurement, the microphone should be placed at the listener’s position (focus position) and pointed towards the speakers. The RoomPerfect system will then evaluate and preserve the performance of the speakers as much as possible, rather than modifying it to obtain a sound determined by the correction system. To do this, a series of sound signals is broadcast from the speakers and picked up by the microphone.
The RoomPerfect software then evaluates the acoustic behavior of the room. Several series of measurements are necessary for this. These should be carried out by placing the microphone at different points in the room and at different heights, and not only in the listening area if the system is in a living room. The software then creates a three-dimensional map of the room, which becomes more precise and accurate each time the microphone is placed at a different location. In the app, the “room knowledge” percentage increases with each new measurement. The app indicates when the percentage is high enough and the results can be saved.
It is possible to save several listening positions (focus position) and select them from the app based on the listener’s location in the listening area so that the sound is always optimal.
Lyngdorf TDAI-1120: listening impressions
Without doing any calibration, the Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 immediately displayed beautiful musicality. It imparted its rhythm to the Lunna speakers, which expressed themselves with great energy. The scope of the soundstage was impressive, with a three-dimensional effect that plunged us directly into the heart of the music.
The generous and responsive lows were managed well by the digital amplification, which evenly distributed its energy across the frequency range. The instruments sounded accurate, the vocals were well rendered.
Once the speakers were calibrated, the realism, liveliness and serenity of the listening experience were seriously improved. The soundstage gained clarity and intelligibility, everything seemed more “obvious” and “real”. The bass was both richer and more organic. A slight veil seemed to be lifted from the vocals. The cymbals sounded more vivid and spontaneous. There was a greater sense of proximity with the artist and the instruments, which seemed to be right in front of us.
This became even more obvious when we deactivated the RoomPerfect calibration in the application to compare the differences in real time. The sounds that had impressed us at first suddenly seemed less rich and lively. It was quite uncanny!
On the track “From Paris With Love” by Melody Gardot (Sunset in the Blue – 2020 – Qobuz – Flac 24/96) for example, the violins that open the track were clearer and smoother. We could also recognize each string of the harp being plucked more easily. The strokes of the brushes on the cymbals were more subtle and precise. The lows were better delineated, richer and had more magnitude. Overall, the sound was more spacious, everything was more defined and the music seemed to have more room to breathe.
The same goes for Balthazar’s “Bunker” (Thin Walls – 2015 – Qobuz – 24/44.1) which unfolded more freely once the RoomPerfect correction was activated. There was an obvious increase in definition with the voices, drums, bass and synth, which were all more clearly distinguishable. The track became more intelligible and some parts that may have seemed slightly muddled before benefitted from greater clarity.
By eliminating, or at least correcting, unwanted resonance and the other acoustic effects in the room, the RoomPerfect technology restored the balance of the sound reproduction, which is calm, detailed and clear.
Lyngdorf TDAI-1120: compared to…
NAD M10
In terms of connected services, the NAD and the Lyngdorf amplifiers are pretty much on par. The vast majority of streaming services are accessible, either from the BluOS app for the NAD or directly via the streaming app through AirPlay or Chromecast for the Lyngdorf. Both models can be added to a multi-room audio system.
When it comes to connectors, the two amplifiers are equal once again and both allow you to enjoy multiple analog and digital sources, including a TV via the HDMI ARC port.
The NAD M10 connected amp is characterized by its very compact size and large color touch screen. Its high output power, its ability to create a convincing soundstage, its neutrality, its ability to provide energy and texture and its sense of nuance impressed us during our test. The Dirac Live acoustic correction proved to be effective in attenuating the excess of bass in our test room.
The more expensive NAD M10 provides more powerful amplification that can power very demanding speakers, and benefits from a more effective BluOS app and service.
A little less compact but still very appealing, the Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 amp doesn’t have a color touchscreen and its output power into 8 ohms is inferior. However, it is very effective at realistically materializing the music in front of the listeners. The soundstage extends effortlessly both horizontally and vertically, and the RoomPerfect calibration provides a more natural sound with better definition. In this respect, it is more efficient than the NAD and, with the RoomPerfect function activated, it offers an incomparably rich and transparent listening experience that is unparalleled in this price range.
- Read our review of the NAD M10
Naim Uniti Atom
The Naim Uniti Atom has a large color screen, but without the NAD’s touchscreen function as it incorporates the large and attractive control wheel unique to the range. The connectivity and connectors are similar to those offered by the Lyngdorf TDAI-1120, provided that you opt for the version of the Atom with an HDMI ARC connector, which is an extra €250…
Despite being less powerful on paper, in practice the Naim shows that it is capable of powering large floorstanders with authority and control. But it is not able to correct any acoustic flaws generated by the room, contrary to the Lyngdorf amp which does wonders in this field.
Lyngdorf TDAI-1120: conclusion
The Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 is not a showy amplifier, both visually and musically speaking. Simple and discreet in its design, it also knows how to be forgotten to let the music, which it reproduces with a lot of accuracy and serenity, take center stage.
This is especially true once the speakers have been calibrated. The RoomPerfect technology, far from distorting the sound, contributes to restoring the softness and clarity that is often lost due to coloration induced by the room. With the Lyngdorf TDAI-1120, music regains its natural vitality, energy and balance, in perfect transparency.
It is often said that the best electronics and the best speakers are the ones that fade away to make room for the music. This is exactly what we felt when listening to the Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 amplifier and the Jean-Marie Reynaud Lunna floorstanding speakers.
With the Lyngdorf TDAI-1120, the Danish manufacturer offers a concentration of everything we expect from a high-end connected amplifier today in a compact and elegant format: generous amplification, a wide range of connectors and numerous connected features with, as a bonus, a very powerful speaker calibration system specifically designed to optimize high fidelity listening. What more could you want?
What we liked
- The ease of use
- The elegant and refined look
- The transparent, rich and balanced sound
- The extremely powerful RoomPerfect calibration
What we would have liked
- A remote control!
