Side By Side Comparison Naim v Lyngdorf

[BiggaJ]

I posted a little while ago about moving away from my current set up CD, turn table, phono stage etc to a network streamer. While no attempt has been made on my part to start selling what I have, a lot of research has been going into how best to get what I want once things have been sold.

I have narrowed it down to two all in one amp/network streamers these being the Naim Uniti Nova PE and the Lyngdorf TDAI-2210. Both very similar units, both Class D amplification (I'm a big fan having my current amp with Class D) both similar specs with connections etc. The major difference is in the price the Lyngdorf being about half the price of the Naim. Having looked over the reviews from all the usual suspects and looking at YouTube videos from again the usual suspects I cannot find a back to back review.

I would welcome thoughts on these and if anyone has either of them please let me have your thoughts.

 

[Al ears]

I have not owned either but it seems to me if spending that sort of money, you don't rely on other people's opinions but go audition yourself.
If they are as evenly matched as you say there would appear to be little reason to spend more on the Naim.
The Lyngdorf seems to have the advantage of room correction software.....
Perhaps you should be comparing with the 3400tdi

 

[BiggaJ]

What gave you the idea I would be spending £1000's without listening to either unit? I will be auditioning both when the time comes ... I just wondered if anyone on here had thoughts, comments or owned either to get what I would term a more realistic view than perhaps can be seen in Hi-Fi mag articles. What I mean by that comment is sometimes reviews in articles have to be taken with a pinch of salt as some may not always be an honest opinion, palms greased and all that.

I was also hoping that someone may have come across a like for like comparison (ignoring the comment I made above for now), that for some reason I have missed in my searches, the two seem so well evenly matched in spec that I would have thought a side by side comparison seemed obvious. the major difference being the price.

 

[Al ears]

What gave you the idea I would be spending £1000's without listening to either unit? I will be auditioning both when the time comes ... I just wondered if anyone on here had thoughts, comments or owned either to get what I would term a more realistic view than perhaps can be seen in Hi-Fi mag articles. What I mean by that comment is sometimes reviews in articles have to be taken with a pinch of salt as some may not always be an honest opinion, palms greased and all that.

I was also hoping that someone may have come across a like for like comparison (ignoring the comment I made above for now), that for some reason I have missed in my searches, the two seem so well evenly matched in spec that I would have thought a side by side comparison seemed obvious. the major difference being the price.

The fact that I am the only one that has responded so far should tell you something.
I understand your wishes but again state what someone else thinks, be that an owner or magazine reviewer, is pretty pointless. You seem to have done adequate research to make up your own mind and, if you can audition both, then that's great.
My point was if you are going to audition yourself and you can do so in your own home with the rest of your system then anyone else's opinion is pointless, otherwise, as with all forums you are going to get the Naim fanatics saying yes get the Uniti and the Lyngdorg fans saying buy that product.

 

[Revolutions]

As a Linn Selekt DSM owner I would recommend giving that a demo too.

 

[BiggaJ]

As a Linn Selekt DSM owner I would recommend giving that a demo too.

Thanks, I haven't looked at this but will look it up.

 

[BiggaJ]

The fact that I am the only one that has responded so far should tell you something.
I understand your wishes but again state what someone else thinks, be that an owner or magazine reviewer, is pretty pointless. You seem to have done adequate research to make up your own mind and, if you can audition both, then that's great.
My point was if you are going to audition yourself and you can do so in your own home with the rest of your system then anyone else's opinion is pointless, otherwise, as with all forums you are going to get the Naim fanatics saying yes get the Uniti and the Lyngdorg fans saying buy that product.

Wow .. You're a bundle of joy but thanks for your comments so far.
That fact I posted this thread mid afternoon today and it being a work day, perhaps that could be seen as a reason to why some may not have commented ... Or maybe you are right, remains to be seen.

 

[nopiano]

Looking at your kit list, does the Gato not include a streaming function?

FWIW I think the Naim ‘Power edition’ is grossly overpriced. That’s because you can buy power amps with the same Hypex modules for £1500 or less.

As mentioned above, the excellent Linn Selekt streamer can be purchased with built in power amps, so it’s definitely worth hearing as an alternative. But the Gato is such a good amp for very little money, it’s a hard act to follow.

I know nothing about Lyngdorf, other than the basics, but Hegel make some excellent streaming amplifiers which I’d also look closely at.

 

[Al ears]

Wow .. You're a bundle of joy but thanks for your comments so far.
That fact I posted this thread mid afternoon today and it being a work day, perhaps that could be seen as a reason to why some may not have commented ... Or maybe you are right, remains to be seen.

That's forums for you.
Best of luck with finding anyone that has actually compared them, which is apparently what you can do.
Did I mention you'll now get loads of people suggesting alternatives?
and yes, when you get to know me , I am a bundle of joy!

 

[BiggaJ]

Looking at your kit list, does the Gato not include a streaming function?

FWIW I think the Naim ‘Power edition’ is grossly overpriced. That’s because you can power amps with the same Hypex modules for £1500 or less.

As mentioned above, the excellent Linn Selekt streamer can be purchased with built in power amps, so it’s definitely worth hearing as an alternative. But the Gato is such a good amp for very little money, it’s a hard act to follow.

I know nothing about Lyngdorf, other than the basics, but Hegel make some excellent streaming amplifiers which I’d also look closely at.

I guess this is one for the reasons why I asked ... Nothing spec wise seems to emulate the price being asked for the Naim, which begs the question just why is it so much more than most others? The Lyngdorf is half the price as stated.

The Gato is a good amp, I love it and until recently the thinking was to keep it however, I do like the idea of an all in one unit and with the offerings I've shortlisted, both come with Class D amplification. I will take a look at the Linn though and see how it compares in spec and reviews ... Need to get all three on trial if I can.

Re the Gato and the NPM aspect, this is all done through Roon and having looked into Roon I can't fathom it hence, why the units I've asked about appeal to me.

 

[Amormusic]

@BiggaJ

I'm not answering your question, but have one for you if you don't mind. How do you find the app and performance of the NPM module in your DIA 250?

I have the DIA 400S NPM but my app is sometimes flaky. The actual app itself I also find a bit clunky too. Hence I don't often use the NPM module.

 

[skinnypuppy71]

I'll also pop in The Electrocompaniet ECI6DX MKII as food for thought...the amplifier section is outstanding....there are a few reviews on YouTube etc...I own the Eci 6 mkii...( No streamer /dac).it's just simply brilliant....not many amps are stable into a 2ohm load.....this thing is.....Although it's not a class d amplifier....good old class A/B done at it's finest.

Electrocompaniet ECI 6 DX MkII review

A sleek and stylish shell hides a powerful amp with gorgeous sound

www.whathifi.com

 

[abacus]

I haven't heard either, but some things to consider.

Specs are only a starting point to narrow things down.

Naim have a loyal following, however most report that they are critical of the speakers used.

Lyngdorf are very highly regarded in the custom Hi-Fi/Home Cinema arena, with there room correction system supposed to be even better than Dirac. (Other manufactures room correction systems fall well short of Dirac)

Enjoy choosing, but definitely make sure you listen first.

Bill

 

[BiggaJ]

@BiggaJ

I'm not answering your question, but have one for you if you don't mind. How do you find the app and performance of the NPM module in your DIA 250?

I have the DIA 400S NPM but my app is sometimes flaky. The actual app itself I also find a bit clunky too. Hence I don't often use the NPM module.

I played around with it and found the same as you, in the end, as you can see, I've decided to give up on the NPM part. Love the amp, love the sound and build but when in looking to move to a one box solution with ease if use in mind, I'm afraid the Gato offerings don't cut it.

 

[nopiano]

I played around with it and found the same as you, in the end, as you can see, I've decided to give up on the NPM part. Love the amp, love the sound and build but when in looking to move to a one box solution with ease if use in mind, I'm afraid the Gato offerings don't cut it.

Tbh, you’d have far more choice if you simply chose a more user- friendly streamer and kept the Gato. It’s probably tight on inputs, as is the fashion these days.

Streamers come and go, mostly, but amps can last decades.

 

[DiggyGun]

When I was looking, I preferred the Linn Selekt DSM over the Naim models, which I eventually got.

Included with all the Linn DSMs, is Sound Optimisation (SO) which is an excellent and very powerful software tool used to perfect the sound.

“Linn Space Optimisation is a software-based technology for Linn network music players that uses acoustic modelling to compensate for a room's negative impact on sound quality. It identifies frequencies artificially boosted or distorted by your room's acoustics and reduces their energy, revealing the true sound of your speakers and music. This allows you to enjoy your music in a practical speaker location while still achieving the sound quality of an ideal listening environment. ”

DG…

 

[BiggaJ]

When I was looking, I preferred the Linn Selekt DSM over the Naim models, which I eventually got.

Included with all the Linn DSMs, is Sound Optimisation (SO) which is an excellent and very powerful software tool used to perfect the sound.

“Linn Space Optimisation is a software-based technology for Linn network music players that uses acoustic modelling to compensate for a room's negative impact on sound quality. It identifies frequencies artificially boosted or distorted by your room's acoustics and reduces their energy, revealing the true sound of your speakers and music. This allows you to enjoy your music in a practical speaker location while still achieving the sound quality of an ideal listening environment. ”

DG…

This sounds similar to the software employed in the Lyngdorf I've shortlisted. Apparently a very powerful tool.

I shall look into the Linn. Thanks for those that have suggested it.

 

[Fandango Andy]

What gave you the idea I would be spending £1000's without listening to either unit? I will be auditioning both when the time comes ... I just wondered if anyone on here had thoughts, comments or owned either to get what I would term a more realistic view than perhaps can be seen in Hi-Fi mag articles. What I mean by that comment is sometimes reviews in articles have to be taken with a pinch of salt as some may not always be an honest opinion, palms greased and all that.

I was also hoping that someone may have come across a like for like comparison (ignoring the comment I made above for now), that for some reason I have missed in my searches, the two seem so well evenly matched in spec that I would have thought a side by side comparison seemed obvious. the major difference being the price.

I find its better going into an audition without knowing too much about other peoples opinions. If you are expecting a characteristic you will be listening for it to the detriment to the whole experience. You will tell yourself that you won't but your subconscious will win out, remember the marshmallow man from ghostbusters.

 

[BiggaJ]

Naim Uniti Nova PE vs Lyngdorf TDAI-2210 & 3400​

A Surprising Showdown Between Two Audiophile Heavyweights In The Network Streaming Arena

When it comes to all-in-network streamers, few brands have stirred as much discussion as Naim and Lyngdorf. Both have their devotees, both claim cutting-edge technology, and both promise an uncompromising musical experience. But how do they stack up in the real world?

To find out, I spent an afternoon at my local Audio T, listening to the Naim Uniti Nova PE, the Lyngdorf TDAI-2210, and its bigger sibling, the TDAI-3400.

---

The Setup​

All listening was done using Tidal Connect, ensuring a consistent digital source across the three amplifiers. The Lyngdorf TDAI-2210 had been calibrated using the brand’s RoomPerfect room correction system, while the 3400 had not yet been tuned. The Naim Uniti Nova PE, meanwhile, was run straight out of the box, no room correction or DSP applied.

Speakers in the demo were my Audio Physic Classic 15s, that I took along — a bonus for meaningful comparison.

---

First Impressions​

The two Lyngdorfs sounded clean, composed, and very listenable. Tonal balance was good, midrange clarity was excellent, and bass control was firm. Differences between the 2210 and 3400 were minimal — the 3400 carried a touch more authority, but both occasionally felt slightly trimmed in the upper registers. It was odd, but it was noticeable, particularly on cymbals and vocals at higher volumes. This became very apparent when the third unit was introduced to the demo.

Then came the Naim Uniti Nova PE.

From the first track, the presentation was transformed. The Naim brought a sense of life and energy that the Lyngdorfs couldn’t quite capture. The sound had an extra fizz — not brightness or harshness, but a sparkle that made the music breathe. Rhythm and timing felt instinctive, natural, and compelling. It was one of those moments where the music simply clicked into place.

Had I not heard the Naim, I would have left believing the Lyngdorfs were excellent performers — and they are in many ways. But the Nova PE’s sheer musicality elevated things to another level. It didn’t need digital correction to sound “right.” It just did. To me this is a plus as I have got so used to 'natural sound' amplifiers that the thought of dipping into an app to play around with sound profiles, as can be the case for the Lyngdorfs, doesn't really tick my boxes.

---

The Home Test​

Impressed enough to warrant a proper trial, I brought the Nova PE home for a week-long test.

Hooked up to my Classic 15s in the position I would normally have them, the results were even more convincing. The Naim retained all its drive and sparkle but gained an extra degree of refinement. Vocals felt organic, bass was tight and tuneful, and imaging was precise without being clinical. Even straight from a cold start, it felt confident and composed.

A bit of speaker repositioning might yet bring out more, but the synergy is already strong. I would have liked to hear the Linn DSM for context, though it wasn’t available during the session.

---

Price and Perspective​

On price alone, the Lyngdorf units have the upper hand. The TDAI-2210 and 3400 both come in below the Naim Uniti Nova PE, which now retails around £6,500 — down from its original £8,000 launch price. According to Audio T, further reductions may still be on the horizon following recent discussions with Naim/Focal.

That said, the performance uplift makes a persuasive argument for the extra spend. The Nova PE delivers a tangible emotional connection that’s difficult to quantify but easy to hear.

---

Verdict​

Going into the demo, I expected the Lyngdorf 2210 to be the standout — especially given its technical appeal and strong reviews. I’ve never been particularly drawn to Naim in the past, but the Uniti Nova PE changed that.

In short, it’s a superb all-in-one that combines power, control, and that unmistakable sense of musical “rightness” that keeps you listening.

Verdict: The Naim Uniti Nova PE takes the win — unexpectedly, but decisively - for me anyway.

 

[abacus]

Verdict: The Naim Uniti Nova PE takes the win — unexpectedly, but decisively - for me anyway.

That's all that matters, now just sit back and enjoy.

Bill

 

[davidf]

I'm not sure I see the point in comparing one with room correction and one without, as well as listening to a hi-fi product only with room correction - how can you initially assess what the actual product sounds like? I'm always wary about room correction, as you never know to what level it's been done, or if something hasn't been tweaked to "influence" the end result - unless of course they do the calibration there and then with you and explain what's being done and why during the process. Seems an oddly hosted demo.

 

[manicm]

I'm not sure I see the point in comparing one with room correction and one without, as well as listening to a hi-fi product only with room correction - how can you initially assess what the actual product sounds like? I'm always wary about room correction, as you never know to what level it's been done, or if something hasn't been tweaked to "influence" the end result - unless of course they do the calibration there and then with you and explain what's being done and why during the process. Seems an oddly hosted demo.

Lyngdorf insist you employ their room correction feature when setting up. The Naim simply does not have such a facility, so his appraisal is valid and intact in my view.

Or I'm not getting you at all.