Maybe there is some special synergy with the Lyngdorf and Tekton Encores--I think there are at least three of us now running the combo with overwhelmingly satisfactory results--but the one thing that this discussion demonstrates (as has been demonstrated in so many of these threads over the years) is that there is just no substitute for trying something in your own system.
I do not doubt for one moment cal3717's impressions of the Lyngdorf in his system. To be completely candid, I had concerns about getting exactly the kind of sound he is describing when I dropped the TDAI-3400 in my system in place of my much-loved Line Magnetic 508ia integrated. After all, I have been down this road before when I replaced some very nice VAC Renaissance separates with a Devialet D200--and eventually came to the same conclusion that cal3717 came to with the Lyngdorf--not so much the phasing issues, as the lack of texture and body in the music. It sounded "good," but just not as engaging or alive. I chalked it up to my apparent preference for tubes, sold the Devialet, and rebuilt my system.
I was perfectly happy with my LM 508ia, but when I upgraded my speakers to the Tekton Encores, I wanted to see what room correction and more muscle could do--and, of course, I was curious about the enthusiastic reviews for the Lyngdorf.
Once I received it, I was impressed right away, but also missed the "goosebump factor" that a good SET amp brings. However, I also felt that with the room correction, I was getting the fullest, most complete, and most authentic sound I had ever had in my room. With time, it has only improved. Believe me, I have been hyper-vigilant about whether the music sounds natural to me with the Lyngdorf. It does.
I think there is no getting around trade-offs with any kind of high end gear. The Lyngdorf is not a tube amp and doesn't sound one, though I have been very pleasantly surprised how holographic and natural it sounds. It does not, however, sound like a good SET amp in the mids. On the other hand, it compensates in my system with a fuller sound top to bottom, while also sounding "right" with any music I throw its way. In its way, it is just as beguiling as any tube amp I have owned.
Take-away number one: the only way to know is to try it in your own system.
Take-away number two: I guess I will be selling my Line Magnetic 508ia, and whoever gets it will get one honey of an integrated amplifier!
I do not doubt for one moment cal3717's impressions of the Lyngdorf in his system. To be completely candid, I had concerns about getting exactly the kind of sound he is describing when I dropped the TDAI-3400 in my system in place of my much-loved Line Magnetic 508ia integrated. After all, I have been down this road before when I replaced some very nice VAC Renaissance separates with a Devialet D200--and eventually came to the same conclusion that cal3717 came to with the Lyngdorf--not so much the phasing issues, as the lack of texture and body in the music. It sounded "good," but just not as engaging or alive. I chalked it up to my apparent preference for tubes, sold the Devialet, and rebuilt my system.
I was perfectly happy with my LM 508ia, but when I upgraded my speakers to the Tekton Encores, I wanted to see what room correction and more muscle could do--and, of course, I was curious about the enthusiastic reviews for the Lyngdorf.
Once I received it, I was impressed right away, but also missed the "goosebump factor" that a good SET amp brings. However, I also felt that with the room correction, I was getting the fullest, most complete, and most authentic sound I had ever had in my room. With time, it has only improved. Believe me, I have been hyper-vigilant about whether the music sounds natural to me with the Lyngdorf. It does.
I think there is no getting around trade-offs with any kind of high end gear. The Lyngdorf is not a tube amp and doesn't sound one, though I have been very pleasantly surprised how holographic and natural it sounds. It does not, however, sound like a good SET amp in the mids. On the other hand, it compensates in my system with a fuller sound top to bottom, while also sounding "right" with any music I throw its way. In its way, it is just as beguiling as any tube amp I have owned.
Take-away number one: the only way to know is to try it in your own system.
Take-away number two: I guess I will be selling my Line Magnetic 508ia, and whoever gets it will get one honey of an integrated amplifier!