The View
Contents
Initially we had mixed feelings about the Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 and especially without RoomPerfect™. Bass and mid were fine but the treble sounded rather fresh and sometimes a bit sharp in our lively room. Also the stereo image was relatively small but we already noticed a lot of definition and control in the bass. There was a high intelligibility but with lesser recordings the TDAI-1120 was sometimes merciless.
With RoomPerfect™ things are a lot more balanced. Still, this entry-level system does not offer the most refined reproduction. Our room is very sensitive to high frequencies and the dac in the TDAI-1120 does pronounce that a bit. When we had a visit from the the amazing Grimm UC1 d/a converter, we noticed this too so it has partly to do with our space. The Grimm is transparent, open and fast but also very revealing and because of this it not only shows the limitations of the system but also those of the room and the recording. In the acoustically treated listening room in Haarlem this is a non-issue. Therefore we find it very valuable to also test in a normal listening room as long as that room does not do crazy stuff of course.
To bring everything into perspective, we take a pair of Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee monitors out of our storage room. These limited edition ‘black beauties’ are four times cheaper than the Revels but have their own qualities. In any case, they are less provoked by the Lyngdorf TDAI-1120. The balance is now much better with a tight bass full of punch and slam.
Dynamics are fine and vocals sound pretty natural. Of course we are spoiled and have to judge the Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 in its price range and then this is quite a good all-rounder but not the most sophisticated.
