LINDEMANN AUDIO MUSICBOOK COMBO > review in Fair Audio
The first integrated streaming amplifier in the history of the Lindemann company is here! The small but fine company from Wörthsee has planted the Musicbook Source II streaming platform in the Musicbook Combo and combined it with the power amplifier technology from the Musicbook Power. Everything under one roof, and that means in concrete terms: connect speakers, connect to the Internet and get started. I don't need to be told twice...
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CONCLUSION
If you look at the asking price of just under 4,500 euros and put the whole thing in relation to the sound, equipment and connection options, there is nothing left but to speak of a hot price-performance tip. Especially since the workmanship and design of the Lindemann Musicbook Combo are also right, not least because the aluminum housing with its pleasantly warm, radiant OLED display looks extremely elegant and takes up little space - the visual integration into the living room should probably go smoothly almost everywhere.
If the Musicbook Combo is to be moved to another room, that's not a problem: even children can tuck the three kilos under their arms. The simple installation also speaks for itself, as does the almost always smooth operation via app.
In terms of sound, the all-rounder from Wörthsee near Munich doesn't show any weaknesses either, it follows a neutral line that is nevertheless rather fast and tonally fresh than comfortable. The Musicbook Combo is basically suitable for all audiences and music genres, although only serious listeners with a stronger penchant for warmer sounds could be eliminated. It also provides detail fanatics and fans of high analysis with enough information, but never lets the sound pattern fall into individual parts, which means that even long listening sessions do not overstrain the ears.
With its output of 2 x 130 watts at 4 ohms, the small integrated streaming amplifier can handle many speakers, although I would tend to recommend speakers that are easier to drive and reasonably efficient - at least if you like to listen (very) loudly. And if it has to be very quiet because of the dear neighbors: Thumbs up for the great integrated headphone amplifier! In short: If you are looking for the jack of all trades in the audiophile wild, you could find your new favorite animal with the Lindemann Musicbook Combo.
- Elmar Salmutter, October 2022
Link to product: Lindemann Musicbook Combo
Link to review: Fair Audio