Experiences by Owners of Lyngdorf Integrated Amps using the Room Correct feature

If you are a DIGITAL ONLY (or mostly) person and use JRiver or ROON. Then the Convolution engine enabled in both of those streaming client software apps should be better than ANY room corrections written into some audio gear.

The software used to create the Convolution filter for your speakers in your room is way more powerful than anything stuffed into audio gear, such as, RoomPerfect, SpaceOptimization, Dirac, Arc, etc.

Only problem with what I have suggested is that it is very difficult to use this complex software to create the Convolution filter. That is why I remotely used the expertise of a profession like Mitch Barnett of

https://accuratesound.ca/services.html

BTW - One of these days, I am going to get a speaker likely too big for my living room. If that is the case, I know I can call Mitch to create a Convolution filter for any amp. preamp, integrated, DAC, that I use. The filter is run before the music is streamed to the DAC.

I use an MEN220 (McIntosh-licensed RoomPerfect) in my rig and am glad I bought it; the RoomPerfect made a substantial difference in sound quality and enjoyment of the system - I would have spend too much time and energy on room treatment, placement, tweaking etc to get the same result. Perhaps a heretical answer around here, but it’s what works for me (more time on gear = less time for listening)

I was really keeping an eye out for one to come along at a decent price. I gave up and went with tubes instead. Still, room correction interests me.

I owned the TDAi2200 years ago and it was a very good piece of kit. No matter the room or associated equipment the sound was always improved when activating the RC versus running it in bypass mode.

The unit sounded good as a straightforward integrated amp, and became very good with the Room Perfect feature engaged. Unlike most room correction devices there's very little learning curve involved, which is nice for an older dude with a learning disability such as myself.

Expect the soundstage to open up in all directions and for image focus to improve. Expect better integration of lower frequencies, though this will depend on how you configure your system. If you have dual stereo subs and satellites the Lyngdorf unit is for you.

Here's a review of the older Lyngdorf TDAi

I heard the 2170 at a friend's house and we compared it against a Pass 250.8 and a xp10. I don't recall the speakers as he has since changed them. It sounded pretty good and tamed some nodes he has in his very square listening room, however it lost some soul along the way and sounded HiFi versus musical. He did the proper set up and measurements but it just seemed artificial. I don't know how to describe it better, but I bet you all know what I mean when I say that. That said, for the price compared to the Pass gear, it didn't embarass itself at all. YMMV, as in all things in this hobby!

Just to clarify, the 2170 is not lean sounding by nature.  It is a little on the warm side in terms of sound personality.  It can be part of a system that sounds a bit lean based on the room, associated gear, and the various other factors I mentioned above. I would not call the 2170 lean sounding on its own. 

The responses thus far are appreciated.  I did also read past threads discussing the RC feature.  I think for now I am going to pass on buying a used unit.  Perhaps I can arrange an in home trial as I am concerned that the Lyngdorfs even with the RC working may still sound on the lean side.  I don't think I would like that type of sound.

Now to answer the OPs question and stay on topic. Yes the room correction feature can improve the sound in a given room with many different speakers. It certainly did with my Acoustic Zen Crescendo and Harbeth 40.1 speakers. I also know of 2170 owners that did not realize the same degree of improvement as I did. It will really depend on several factors. Here are a couple to consider.

If you have taken the time to fine tune your speaker placement using set up methods such as Sumiko, then the RC may not yield as much improvement. However, if your listening space is not a dedicated room and the speakers have been placed out of the way to please your spouse, then RC can help greatly.

With the speakers I mentioned above the bass became more full and impactful. Without RC the speakers sounded a tad thin through the mid-bass. RC gave me more of a full bodied sound which I wanted. Now here is where the subjective aspect shows up again. Others may have liked the leaner sound more. Our impressions and experiences always have a subjective aspect to them. Always.

In another room the RC feature helped the 40.1 speakers sound less muddy and thick. It just going to depend on your speaker, room, and listening position. All shared experiences will likely differ. 

The only way for you to really know is to trial the unit in your room with your speakers. This is the ONLY way for you to really know for yourself.

What @bjesien is not understanding is all of audio is subjective and our experiences will differ. So many variables are at play such as, but not limited to:

- personal sonic preferences

- total system synergy

- room differences

- attention or lack of attention to the details of assimilating a new piece of gear into an existing system

- attention to the details of ancillary gear such as footers, cabling etc...

The 2170 is a wonderful piece of gear that can indeed sound wonderful in many systems and to many people. There have been many reviewers and owners that have shared their positive experiences so we know this is fact. Others did not realize the same outcome. Good to hear from all people and experiences. No need to "run" from folks sharing positive results. No need to "run" from folks like @bjesien with negative results. Frankly, we should do the opposite and learn from it all.

Just because one person’s experience with a piece of gear is negative does not mean the other positive experiences are somehow not valid or worth listening to. Too many reasons behind why we may have differing experiences with the same piece of gear.

Yes we music lovers and audiophiles do buy new gear over time and enjoy sharing our experiences. I liked my 2170 over the 4.5 years I owned one. I now own a wonderful new Circle Labs A200 that I am enjoying greatly.  As the years go by audiophiles do move on and buy new gear. 

I remember auditioning a Lyngdorf room-correcting integrated at a high end store in L.A.'s Fairfax district. It did image well, but in the end it didn't make me want to part with my Primaluna.  If I remember correctly, it didn't sound quite as luxurious as I wanted it to sound.

Here is one long love fest. Some of these guys are now promoting other gear just as hard. 

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/who-has-luv-for-the-lyngdorf-2170-and-is-thinking-about-the-3400
 

I tried this amp with a pair of Devore Nines and Verity Parsifals and I ended up not keeping it. The Lyngdorf chapter of my hifi life made me realize that when a group of motivated and well intentioned individuals start an audio thread about the greatest thing ever- run the other way fast. I don't know if the threads still exist but they were selling up to $50,000 worth of tube gear and celebrating audio ecstasy over this thing. 

You shouldn't take my word, or let me discourage you because I'm just one person. Others will hopefully chime in with more positive impresssions. I found it dull and lacking engagement. I was told I didn't let it break in long enought, I needed to leave it on 24/7, I needed certain cables, etc, etc.

I'll also share that one of the best way to use these forums it to message a user that own it. Look at those threads and send a message- introduce yourself and ask about it.   

Good luck. Please share results. 

Good question.