SOLVE bass problems. INTEGRATE a subwoofer. STREAM from Spotify. PLAY CDs. 

John, I'm a regular fan of your language choice but describing the B&W tweeter as "easily provoked" made me smile more than usual. Thanks for caring about words.

I own a TDAI-3400. And let me tell you, what pushed me over the edge to choose Lyngdorf was their "RoomPerfect" solution. I was on the hunt for a new receiver/stereo because my old Denon X4300 was struggling to deliver enough power, without overheat, for my Focal speakers. I was fixated on getting either a Marantz or Denon, thinking they were the holy grail of audio. But oh boy, was I in for a surprise! One fateful day, I found myself at a friend's friend's place, and they introduced me to the audio wizardry of RoomPerfect. The difference it made was enormous! I have owned multiple Marantz and Denon systems before and always dismissed those "calibration solutions." But this time, my ears were in for a treat. I decided to give the TDAI-3400 a whirl, and boy, did it blow me away! It was like a sonic revolution in my humble wooden abode. Even in my less-than-ideal acoustic environment, this bad boy shone like a supernova! As if that wasn't enough, I got geeky and put the system through some serious tests using Mini-DSP and REW. I'm no audio-testing guru, but let me tell you, the results were mind-boggling! I initially thought I messed up something with REW because the curves it generated were off-the-charts fantastic, despite my less-than-ideal setup. Talk about audio sorcery! Now, I must confess, in direct comparison to my trusty old Denon X4300, the TDAI-3400 sometimes sounds almost too clean. My Focal speakers came alive like never before! It was as if they magically transformed into brand-new, supercharged sound emitters. It's like having a private concert in my living room every single day! Well maybe not exactly like that but the beer have kicked in and I passion over this. The "app" isnt realluy an app. It more or less just finds your box on the LAN, and redirect you to the correct IP. The difference? They dont need to develop an app for 235634 different smartphones thats just a joke (Yes Denon im looking at you). No, no, no! Lyngdorf knows how to do it right. Their software is tailor-made for their hardware, and boy, does it deliver! No more annoying connection errors, not even with Tidal. Smooth sailing all the way! You also have the possibility to integrate it with other systems because you can acctually access it - and the software is on the machine. Lyngdorf has made it modular, so you won't be left in the audio dark ages as technology marches forward. They might just drop a shiny new module in the future, keeping your system fresh and kicking! Unlike those other fancy-pants devices with their touchscreen gimmicks that age faster than a block of moldy cheese. Trust me, LCD screens are so yesterday! Not even OLED. 🤣

Love how you show pros and cons of the systems. Makes it obvious how you are less biased than most and serve your audience and not yourself. Bravo 🎉

Your apartment looks great John.

Thanks for this extensive comparison! My TDAI-3400/CD-2/SVS-sb2000pro/Dali Epicon2 still feels as an endstation for me. Nothing to wish for but good music! 😀

Peter Lyndorf owned NAD electronics in 90s and did much more, Lyndorf is where NAD should be.

Can we just have a little round of applause for the editing of this video - dipping the music volume in line with the b-roll turning down a volume knob - nice touch.

Hi John, Great Video again. I use the Lyngdorf 3400 with a pair of Dali Epicon 2 and a SVS SB 2000 pro Subwoofer. Ist sounds great. Room Perfect is a magic tool. McIntosh uses Room Perfect in it‘s Sound Prozessor.

everything in audio is relative. without side-by-side comparisons its hard to know where things stand. thumbs up.

Hi John, I would be very interested in a future video that would compare a full Lyngdorf system (MH-2 or FR-1 pair on wall with a BW-2 pair in corners) to a Lyngdorf system with traditional speakers/subwoofer. I am very curious of such a comparison (I don’t have the luxury of having access to equipment like you do). Thanks in advance.

Great review. Thank you

Dear John - It’s interesting that even with this amplifier topology the differences between digital and analogue cd player outputs are so subtle. This aligns to my experience on a number of amplifiers and it demonstrates that the all the ‘night and day’ talk between DAC and ADC chipsets is overblown!

I fully agree with your comments on the B&W tweeter being easily provoked. Last weekend I listened to the Lyngdorf 1120 in combination with the B&W 705's and it was rather shrill in some music - I much prefered the Dali Rubicon 2's with the Lyngdorf over the rather more expensive B&W's.

Have had this system (well nearly...as I have the TDAi 2200) for 6-7 years...I won't be changing it ever except to upgrade to the amp you are reviewing...I have it with twin lyngdorf boundary woofers (you really must demo these as they are really small) and LS50 meta's...room perfect is the killer app though. It's what stopped me buying gear and buying music instead. Also the lyngdorf has different voicings so if highs are a bit sharp just use a different voicing. Oh and the cd2 has a neat trick in that it can add headroom to overly compressed CDs so they have a better dynamic range.

Great analogy between the two pieces of equipment sets. 👍 👌

Beyond The Frequency Domain. That’s gotta be my next T shirt.

Two notes: 1) CD drawers (!!) I 'v noticed some differences also on CD drawers. Marantz's is more stable but does not come out 100%, so watch out how you put the disc in the drawer. Lyngdorf is not stable but all the platform is exposed and it's easier to load a CD. 2) Costs. Pricewise, talking prices in Greece, the Lyngdorf combo costs higher than the Marantz: 5800(amp)+3000(cd, without SACD!!!)=8800 v. 3400/unit=6800. We are talking about 2000 EUR! But on the other hand, if someone has the bass problems you and I have, Lyngdorf is th answer. Well done once again dear John, thank you.

I have this combo with a pair of Kef Ref 1s which I’ve had to place either side of a fireplace in a medium sized room. RoomPerfect does a phenomenal job of fixing this otherwise awkward setup. Plus I do love the look of the CD2/3400 stack! I also use a Technics 1500C through an external phono stage.

All I can say is that Mr Jack Kaminski did a very good job. The video is very “Darko esthetic compliant” but there is some focus breath of fresh air. Nice

Currently sitting here with a Kef KC62, SVS Micro 3000 and SVS SB2000 Pro in my room feeling spoilt but also wondering which two to sell. Despite SVS telling me that the SB2000 Pro being better than the Micro 3000, I beg to differ in my room. I believe that smaller subs are easier to integrate in to rooms and in my use case it couldn't be clearer. The SB2000 Pro is nowhere near as well integrated as the 3000 Micro. I've only listened to the KC62 For 15 minutes so looking forward to doing some more testing in the next couple of days.

Your remarks are always clever ; you make videos for people like you, with your preferences on how to play music is an elegant disclaimer for the non coverage to the SACD of the marantz unit.

Would be fun to see M33 compared to tda-i 3400 :)

Great video, JD. I really appreciate your clarity in presenting a fairly hard to explain issue. Great to her obfuscate deployed too 😂

Lyndorf 3400 versus NAD M33, this is the question now😇

I'm not smart enough for this. I have a pretty good system, but right now I have a slight headache too. I still enjoyed it. Thank you.

THANKS JOHN …👍💚💚💚

I was wondering what took you so long to review that Integrated AMP(Lyngdorf), since we saw it in the background of your Berlin Audio System.

Thanks for the great review John. You’re definitely my favorite audiophile! 😁👊 I’ve got the TDAI-1120 and I really hope Lyngdorf release a CD player/transport to pair with its smaller footprint (similar to Cambridge Audio’s Evo series super integrated amps and CD transport), as the 3400 is out of my financial reach. Finally, take my money 💵💵💶💶💷💷 for that British Sea Power Easter 🥚! I’ve been a huge fan of theirs since the beginning … The Decline of … and your musical taste is right down my alleyway (I used to DJ British music in the early 00’s in Atlanta). Keep up the great work!

Dear John, Fyi regarding the installation of the optional modules this is the answer I got directly from Lyngdorf: “The analog module can be installed by our nearest Lyngdorf dealer - it’s a module but it still has to be wired correctly inside the unit. The HDMI module requires some extensive testing with video signals and therefore it has to be done at Lyngdorf Audio in Denmark. Your Lyngdorf Audio dealer will take care of all logistics together with us, and all is included in the price.” So you better have them factory installed when buying the unit if you want to avoid having to send back your amp. Hope this helps. Kindest regards, Alain

I love the fact that the Lyngdorf has HDMI in and out. I owould really like to get rid of my AV receiver for a better two channel setup that can also play video to my projector. Very good move Lyngdorf.

I like the smaller Lyngdorf amp more... and is Kallax Fi ;)

What would it had been nice to have had a three some side by side comparison with the peachtree gan1/bluesound node, regarding to the streaming part. An 'analog' class D from Marantz, the digital mosfet from Lyngdorf and the full digital Ganfet of Peachtree. Great video though!

Now this is a good topic.

I understood everything John is saying apart from the words.

a playlist for all the headfi gear would be nice, please and thank you😊

Would love to see a review of another interesting combo: Rotel RA-1572 (or 1592) MK II + Rotel RCD 1572 MK II. With pricing around 2500-3000€ it's a powerful and affordable mid-range combination. There aren't many reviews on YT, so a John Darko review would be great! Thanks & Greetings from Dortmund.

I enjoyed this video and the last one. Each system has advantages and disadvantages. For me, neither is the complete solution. I need SACD playback. I would prefer ROON ready over ROON tested. HEOS is basic but I use ROON, so it does not matter. The looks of both are nice for different reasons. And the list goes on and on. Thanks again.

13:13 That rotation functionality to choose a track was present on the Sony SCD-555ES for instance, I do agree it is a good feeling :) I'm not sure about the TDAI-3400, although my TDAI-1120 gets really hot, to the point that the underneath sticker just peeled off within 2 weeks of buying it.

Thanks for this excellent series of videos. Do you still have the Lyngdorf TDAI-1120, and if so do you feel there are qualitative differences between the 3400 and the 1120?

“Who’s tweeter is easily provoked “ I like that:)

I really enjoy watching your videos and I share your love of expensive hi-fi gear even though some of it is too rich for my wallet, I don't share your taste in music though, I'm more a hard rock, thrash metal fan. My System comprises of a Arcam Alpha 10 amp, Arcam Alpha 9 CD Player, Yamaha KX 580SE tape deck , Sony MDS JB 930 QS minidisc , B&W 603 series 1 loudspeakers, its all over 20 yrs old now, and I'm now looking for total upgrade for the amp and CD player .

Absolutely love my TDAI-3400. Originally bought the 1120 but got the bigger model mainly for more I/O and (theoretically) better analog outs. I got the optional phono stage too. The best sounding amp I've ever had. Only two (minor) faults for me: lack of Qobuz connect (I don't want to run another box for Roon) and the headphone output is just OK (depending on your cans I recommend a separate headphone amp). But by golly, I was surprised a digital amp could sound so good. It's superb.

Cant agree more , as much as I used to like Marantz Class A/B the new stuff just seems to hold a vail over the music. Not ready to switch over the Class D.

Got my second sub this week so I guess I have doubled my bass problems

In Australia the Marantz stack is $10k, while the Lyngdorf is $18.5k. Not exactly a fair comparison and getting into the absolutely absurd price point for regular everyday people.

Great entertaining review / presentation as always. Loved the subtle bass shake on the camera to match the music.

The only aesthetic quibble I have about the old school hi-fi look is the jumble of power cables, otherwise I prefer the look of an old style system. The Lyngdorf is nice and sleek looking but would look just as nice in a rack with a nice turntable on the top.

Very informative video as always! Please do more of side by side comparisons. Marantz looks good, but sound signature isn't for my taste.

Give us the Bowers&Wilkins 700 review. That's the "mainstream but still quite expensive" speaker we want to hear about 🙂

I am a fan of resistive volume knobs, big size. It’s like turning a big car. One needs to feel something happening.

Great video! I’d be interested in hearing your take on the Yamaha R-N2000A, if you happen to be taking requests or if one crosses your path. Cheers!

John, did you try using the parametric eq to further mitigate that 35hz room node? As a tdai1120 owner, I also find the adjustable frequency controls in the app are a nice touch for fine tuning the balance for individual tracks on my playlists. Thank you for another enjoyable review!

I have the Lyngdorf TDAI 3400 connected to Dynaudio Heritage Special and Dynaudio Sub6 (also from Denmark). I have a Pro-Ject Box RS2 as transport for CD and use Apple Music via my iPad connected to the TDAI 3400 with an USB-cable. I love the sound! My last system?

How about get any amp you wished and add on a MiniDSP Flex for bass management? Better cost effective solution perhaps?

Hello, I noticed that you’ve been using some cables other then Audioquest. I really like the look of them. What brands have you been using?

“Easily provoked”, priceless.

Cons: - No HDMI eARC/ARC (I really want my stereo to play the music and dialogue from the TV) - it is a relatively low power amplifier so you likely want to add an icepower or purifi amplifier behind it, but it only has 2 pre-amp outs on the TDAI 1120 and you need the 3400 to run two balanced cables to the amplifier and 1-2 RCA outs to the subs While the TDAI 3400 is a great amplifier, the price point is rather steep. IMHO, the 1120 could be the best performing pre-amp in the world at the pricepoint it has now if they would just have it as a pre-amp, with 3-4 dedicated XLR outs (L/R/sub L/sub R) and perhaps one LFE. It could be cheaper as well in that case.

Hi John ive been watching for a long time though very rarely comment, as i have nothing good to say. SO here it goes lol. Though you touch on it sometimes I don't think I have ever heard you talk about it specifically, box count, and exploring what that could be and mean, the pro's and cons the advantages this affords us if we were to reduce or even increase the box count, is there a quality of sound decrease? does a 2k active speaker system "blow the socks off" a comparatively priced 3 piece variety box. Rightly or wrongly i still find many refer to them as lifestyle products. I've just been seeing alot more products flooding the market like JBL 4329p's that would do away with literally every signal box, hardly a product that id call lifestyle. Just thought it would make a nice video or even 2 which could be explored on many fronts.

Great review, John. I know it's been a while since you reviewed the 1120, but would you say there's any appreciable difference between it and the 3400? I have the smaller amp and am always curious about what I'd get from more power ...

Stream from RU-vid, metro is the best group for testing your audiosystem.

😎😎

Just curious why you don't use the balanced inputs/outputs? and then see what difference there is?

will this be a good replacement for my Cambridge cxa81+denefrips ares 2 ???? any suggestions ?

Many requests here. It's been a while since you reviewed Dali speakers (another Lyngdorf involvement) and would like you to review the reasonably new Dali Oberon 9 because there aren't any reviews the way you do them. Thank you.

But with the 3400, do you really need to have an experience CD player? I always liked the idea of keeping it simple. Keep the digital signal as long as possible and putting all the money in one DA converter at the end of the signal path.

Are we constantly trying to rebalance sharpness and mellowness by choosing pairings?

Can you compare Audiolab setup in this Comparison

Love your videos, the wooden headphone stand which brand are they?

So,...Lyngdorf "DESTROYED" Marantz? :-D

I think I've heard someone say that the analog module offers improved performance over the standard analog inputs. Have you tried or experienced that John?

I wonder what differences would be noted if the CD players were swapped.

Marantz is 1/4 of the price in Canada.

My Sony cdp-xe510 has also got the jog dial for track select. Sliced bread anyone?

Great review John! I've audited the lyngdorf amplifier as well and although their room correction software is stunning, I've kept to my Marantz PM15s1 for the same differences you mentioned in the video. I prefer the more rounded (or dare I say musical) presentation of the Marantz vs the pins and needles presentation of the lyngdorf that sound a bit too harsh for my taste.

New interconnect cable?

That Brian Eno cd that appear in this video have got DSD sign on it. Is it SACD version?

Please can you have a quick comparison of the balanced connections to non balanced when both are available, a sentence would be enough, but many audiophiles prefer balanced and this would represent more how they would use it. Personally I have had very noticeable differences between them.

Anyone tried a selection of speakers with the 3400 - what gets the nod? Currently connected to Wharfedale Evo 4.4's but I'm not sure about them - they don't envelop me, and aren't rich enough sounding. Wondering if I should go standmount and a good sub? Thanks

John, speaking of Spotify, have you noticed that some of their music sounds sneaky good in terms of harmonic range and soundstage? I started subscribing to TIDAL to get the higher quality, lossless music, but have been somewhat disappointed with the claimed superior sound quality of Tidal. I have not done any sort of extensive comparison, but there’s been at least one or two albums, such as Love Over Gold, by Dire Straits, that I think sound as good or slightly better on Spotify than on Tidal. I wonder if Spotify has secretly been upgrading the quality of a lot of their albums to lossless as they continue to give vague answers about when, if ever, they will introduce Spotify HIFI. And perhaps then, upon the official introduction of Spotify HIFI, they will smugly tell the complaining subscribers that they’ve had that quality music all along for months.

Hi, I would be interested to see how a Raspberry Pi with a HiFi DAC would stack up against all the great reviews you do.

For the Lyngdorf. Qobuz will play through Bluetooth/AirPlay?

I guess the reviewer who plays more vinyl would have a different spin. Not only are you missing the moving coil cartridge setting on the preamp But there is no true analog playback. All signals are digitized. Which is why the lingdorf has room correction while the Marantz does not. You call it future proof. Others might just call it all digital

I love separates and stacks.

Hi there. What brand are the yellow ended cinch cables? Cheers

at 1:53 it says right on the back of the receiver that it has a max power consumption of 140 watts, so then how could it have a 400 watt speaker level output? I'm curious because I'm no EE

Thank you for covering "non-mainstream" work, although is anything in hi-fi even "mainstream"? I mean, what is "mainstream" anyway...

Not fully ignorant. But what.....? When your room isn't big enough for the wavelengths played, add a subwoofer?

Can I play Qobuz on the 3400?

Purchase one of those or eat for 1 year 😅

great video, not sure about the shaky-cam effect syncing with the bass during the b-roll though. That's just my opinion though

In 2023, on a 6.5k amp, I would expect a full hires colour screen, not a lo-res b&w one.

Why a CD player with DAC, when the complementary amp has a DAC, too?

makes me laugh how some folks would slam tone controls on amplifiers back in the day but digital room eq is now an excepted norm

Zippy? Me thinks of UK children's TV in the early 80s and late 70s....I love detail but I need meatier sounds too. A balance of both is important to me.

Well done sir. Not unprofessional to read specifications from your laptop at all.

wait a minute.. does that mean no more music recommendation on you tube??

But NAD M10 v2 with Dirac live blows the Naim uniti Atom out of the water ;)

👏👍🙏

The thing that stops me buying/upgrading tech is the quality atm of anything that doesn't last & that I fell on the gaming side for Steam once I can't afford to upgrade I lose it all & that stopped me subscribing to music platforms. Tech companies are outpricing themselves I feel & "future" tech is not as robust as it once was. Planned obsolesces is killing the markets expecting people to upgrade sooner than they can actually afford. Graphic card now want every 1-2 years, Hifi is becoming every 2-5 yrs & sooner is subscription services fall for all ion ones. We no longer get value for money imho especially at the lower end. Subscription may offer a lot of access than buying but once it's taken down you loose the lot.

marantz is classe AB, and LYNGDORF TDAI-3400 classe D, which in itself is not comparable in my ears or eyes. there is such a big difference in it. I made a comparison with Denon pma1700ne AB and Primare i25 Prisma. the sound of the primare is so tight compared to denon. while denon sounds woolly, actually boring.