2. amps-preamps
  3. 168258-11129

Lyngdorf MP-50 Alternative

I currently have a Lyngdorf MP-50 Preamp.  I love the sound and the flexibility of the unit however it doesn't have analog inputs, and I would really like to have them on my next unit.  Currently my set up consists of the MP-50, McIntosh 207, Kef Reference 3 towers and reference 2c center, JL Audio 113 subs with an Aurender N100H streamer.  

I would like to have the option of adding equipment with an external DAC but that isn't currently possible.  So my question is, what will give me close to the same results that Room Perfect on the MP-50 gives me, without needing to be professionally installed?  Music play back is very important, yet I really don't want to give up HT performance.  What do you suggest I look at for a replacement?  HDMI 2.1 isn't a must, but eARC is.  

Thanks in advance!
wheelndeal1099
audiom3
149 posts
 

Why not add a stereo preamp with HT bypass?  I own a Lyngdorf MP-60 2.1 but only use it for movies, gaming and video streaming.  I have an Ayre KX/VX-5 Twenty combo for anything 2 channel (DAC and TT at the moment).  The Lyngdorf's R/L outputs go into one of the Ayre's inputs which then are assigned to HT bypass (wide open, so the Lyng can control the volume).  There are lots of stereo preamps with HT bypass if you want to spend less though.  It really is the best of both worlds for one room systems.

rshad0000
268 posts
 

Couldn’t agree more with audiom3.   I have a Lyngdorf MP50 that I use in conjunction with an octave audio pre with HT bypass and octave monoblocs.   Then I use Krall TAS 5 channel for the center and surrounds.   Lyngdorf for the movies/Xbox and octave pre with separate DAC for two channel listening.  Works great!

jeffkad
211 posts
 

rshad, is your octave preamp significantly better than Lyngdorf in 2 ch, or is it just a slight improvement?

rshad0000
268 posts
 

The lyngdorf is certainly no slouch, but I find the octave to be more transparent and have better soundstage depth.    Octave is a bit more neutral sounding than some tube pre and amps but it is a bit warmer than the Lyngdorf as well.

jeffkad
211 posts
 

I'm heavily leaning toward the 2 box approach.  So as respects bluray concerts, the Lyngdorf will still provide very good SQ, just maybe not to the extent of my Krell S1200, but still very good.  And, given that my room is FAR from good acoustically, it may even improve with RP (I'm 15x22 basement. slab floor, 2/3 slab walls, 7 ft drop ceiling, back wall goes from 22' to 27', so not straight across)

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