Anthem STR or Lyngdorf TDAI 2170?

I would urge anyone interested in DSP preamps to try the units in their own system. I have found published reviews unsatisfactory, usually cursory and misleading.

I own an Anthem STR Preamp & think its DSP and overall sound are very good indeed. It replaced a more expensive Classe CP-800 and is far superior in clarity and depth of sound; also, its DSP is considerably more transparent. (I cannot speak to the Lyngdorf, as I’ve not heard it.)

No DSP preamp is perfect. I wish I could combine the best features of my old TacT 2.2X with those of the STR -- that would be an ideal unit!

Others to consider might include the miniDSP SHD and the DSPeaker X4. I considered a used Trinnov, but it has a fan, and I’ve found any fan audible in my very quiet environment.

Yes, the Anthem does have good XLR outputs. I use 25' balanced cables from mine to the power amp.

@yyzsantabarbara : You asked about XLR cables. I use cables made for me by a pro audio shop (Pro Audio LA) from Neutrik XLR connectors and Mogami W2549 cabling. In a single-blind test, they sounded considerably more neutral to me and to 4 experienced listeners than a boutique brand costing about $2200.

Power amp is the Bryston 4B3, which I have owned for a little while. If starting fresh, I would give the matching STR power amp a try, to see if there was any special synergy when pairing Anthem equipment.

P.S. I don't know if using the pre section of the STR integrated will give you results equivalent to the STR Preamp itself. I would hope that, given the small cost delta, the STR Pre is better.

@caphill : I agree about making the room as good as possible and doing without DSP if possible. Unfortunately, not every room can give good results without it. The space may be too lossy, not lossy enough,  too small, too poorly proportioned, and so on. In such cases, DSP can improve overall realism considerably, in my experience.

@yyzsantabarbara : I also have a miniDSP SHD, and it is a tremendous unit. Since I have them in very different systems (STR Preamp in high-end system, SHD in TV system), I can’t compare sound quality directly. But here are a few things to look at:

Anthem STR pluses:

• Computing at 192 kHz (vs 96 kHz)
  
• Tone, balance, sub level controls (none on SHD)
  
• Bigger display
• Simpler setup and correction (done through network - no need to connect computer or mic to STR directly)
• Better user interface
• Phonostage (MM and MC)

miniDSP SHD pluses:

• Includes a streamer (renderer)
  
• Lower price -- an incredible bargain
  
• Dirac is somewhat more flexible than ARC in setting target curves
  
• Mic can be recalibrated by 3d party if you want

Good luck with the decision!

P.S. the SHD is miniDSP’s latest, so may be better than some of their other solutions? ALSO, I have looked into Acourate for years. My conclusion was, it was far too complicated for me. Others say it gives the best results, which I suppose it may well do. The developer is a perfectionist and extremely knowledgeable. However, the documentation is not easy, and setting it up is complex. Well, you will examine it and decide for yourself.

Regarding the Lyngdorf 3400, an audio friend who goes through a lot of gear had one. He has rotated through a TacT 2.2X, Tact 2.2XP, several DSPeaker units including the latest X4, and numerous equalizers. His speakers at present are, I think, the Harbeth M40.1.

This fellow bought the Lyngdorf 3400 and later sold it, complaining that its corrections gave an unwanted emphasis in the 4 kHz range, and there was no way to override that. I cannot confirm the anomaly from first-hand knowledge; still, the person in question has good ears, as well as measurement mics and software.

I mention this not to denigrate the Lyngdorf, but so that anyone auditioning it can keep an ear open and see if this perceived issue comes up. It was not mentioned in any reviews I've seen, but as I've already said, I often find reviews of DSP units superficial and misleading.