Ambient Dynamics AD-006 "Lyndale" IEMs
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Hello mates, welcome to my another IEM review article and what I have here is a new product from a recently newly established audio company from the United States, Ambient Dynamics. This is actually my first non-Chinese brand IEM (the fact that IEM itself is actually made in China) and this is one of the moments that I'm quite surprise on how such as audio company present their product.
Ambient Dynamics is situated in Minnesota and their current line of business is to produce In Ear Monitors . The story behind the establishment of the company was a group of audio enthusiasts decided to put up their own company to provide a high quality product at a decent price without breaking a bank. And finally, they introduce their first product, The AD-006 Lyndale.
AD-006 Lyndale is a hybrid driver set-up IEM. It has one (1) 10mm polyurethane and titanium-coated composite diaphragm Dynamic Driver and one (1) custom balanced armature driver for E-audio. The composite dynamic driver delivers a faster, better bass depth and less distortion and an E-audio BA handles the mids and highs for smoother, cleaner and well-defined clarity.
The shells of AD-006 Lyndale are of exceptional quality as Ambient Dynamics decided to use a good quality skin-friendly, medical-grade resin on it. It is on the medium-size housing and has this almost CIEM-like fitting in my medium-size lug holes. The aesthetics choice of its shell is more on minimalist and utilitarian approach that it has a jet black colour with an Ambient Dynamics logo in gold tinge on its face plate. It is also noted that Ambient Dynamics decided implemented a more proven and stable 2- pin connector on their first product.
To be honest this is one of the best fitting IEM in under $200 as I said that it has a fitting-like of a CIEM that really snugly and sits well in my ears without any discomfort as I can wear them for a long listening session. Isolation is commendable in my opinion that it almost entire block the external noises from the outside surroundings due to a tight sealing in my lug holes.
One of the amazing features on Lyndale is on how its packaging box and included accessories are presented in appealing manner to make a compelling statement and overall impression of their product in an even more competitive audio market and feels a more premium and pleasant unboxing experience that will put up a smile on its customers if they have it on their hands. The box is a black-colour square one and of medium proportions with a translucent plastic box sleeve. Here are the included accessories of AD-006 Lyndale:
- A pair of AD-006 Lyndale IEMs.
- An 8-core OFC litz cable in a copper and black combination in 3.5mm termination plug.
- A large square circled hard canvass zippered IEM carry case.
- An ear tips container with two types of ear tips; 3 pairs of silicone ear tips in different standard sizes and another 3 pairs of memory foam ear tips in the same respective manner.
- A black envelope that contains a single paper work noted with product specifications, basic instruction and warranty specifics.
Another good thing of this set is the scalability and driveability matching with its audio sources. Apparently, these IEM are easy to be powered and amplified well with even decent power sources such as smartphones, tablets and PCs due to low impedance requirement and a good sensitivity rating. And if you want a more cleaner and fuller sounding with good dynamic range, a devices with good Hi-fi DAC/Amp like LG Quad DAC phones and DAPs is highly recommendable on this one as it will truly shows the fullest potential of this IEM.
And as for tonality-wise. It has more emphasis in sub bass with a sufficient mid bass texture, a more linear mids and some elevation upper mids towards brilliance treble which in my classification on sound signatures is leaning towards of being U-shaped sounding.
Here are some of my observations on its sound characteristics on each part of its audio frequency spectrum.
LOWS/BASS:
This is the major highlight of Lyndale and it was its dynamic bass response as it is more on a tighter, articulate, precise and has ample impact sounding.
Sub bass has a satisfactory rumble and reverberating sound as it decent depth reach on the low end that it has a good extension. Tested on the tracks with synthesizers and drum tracks have an acceptable detail to cite about.
Mid bass has an ample texture to give a sufficient slam and somehow a dense note. Bass guitars and double bass has that somber and weighty sound to adds up some growl and roar. Bass kicks has a more penetrating and a decent thunderous sound and Bass-baritone vocals has an adequate power and depth to have a gruff and huskiness on the voice.
In general, bass of this one scales more on quality rather than quality. A more detailed and well-controlled clean bass response that I can confidently declare that bass bleed is certainly non-existent in this set.
MIDS:
Midrange seems to be less prominent and a tad recessed within the frequency range spectrum but it has a hint of warmth, more natural presentation with sufficient texture and noticeable resolution capability. Male vocals
Both vocals of opposite genders are equally benefited on the midrange’s sufficient texture and note weight. I perceptively hear the strong and deep vocal characteristic of a male voice very coherently with different some low pitched sound of an alto to a more powerful range of a soprano singer. Female vocals can be describe as articulately sweet, luscious and silvery that despite that they are presented neither forward nor laid back, that they are more on natural, middling position. I wish for a more opened, a bit of energy and more affront female vocals to sound more engaging.
Due to some added warmth on midrange, musical instruments has a bit added texture with its tonal colour. The snares and field drums has a more hard, penetrating and a tad bright when I listen to some drum tracks and even some drum lines. Violin has solemn and an ample brilliant , Violas and Cellos has a warm and distinctiveness that at least it doesn’t sound muffled and Pianos has the sensuous and rich characteristic that leaning towards on being a mellow sounding. And lastly, the guitars has a crisp and resonant characteristic in every plucking that I hear.
To a certain degree, all I can say that the mids are naturally place despite on a tad notch in a frequency spectrum that really give an impact to the overall tuning to be more smoother with a rife of sufficient details.
HIGHS/TREBLE:
As for the treble quality and quantity, its more on smooth delivery and a balanced aspect that it has just an ample amount of brightness just to give a more substantial on resolution capability, clarity and vividness. It has decent amount on airiness on it to have at sufficient harmonics.
I noticed a slight bump in the upper mids to a presence part of treble, good thing that I don’t encounter any sibilance and any discordant sound that will affect the overall tuning.
To describe the characteristics on cymbals strikes it has more lustrous with some decent sizzling. The high/lo-hats are naturally and accurately presented with their distinct chick with muted and shorted soughing sound trait. As for the treble extension, it was just adequate enough to be discerning but not my ideal one as I want more airiness and shimmer if it permits to have it.
Overall, the presentation of treble is really decent that its smoothness will be even recommendable to some treble-sensitives who wants to have a sufficiently well-defined treble quality.
SOUNDSTAGE, IMAGING AND OTHER TECHNICALITIES:
To perceived and estimate the dimensions of its soundstage. It has an average to above average on sense of wideness, good depth range and acceptable height reach. In general, it has a balanced and almost equal proportion on spatial sense that it was acceptable enough just like that you place yourself in a small recording studio room.
Imaging capability is more on above average which is worth to be commended despite of just 1 DD and 1 BA driver set-up that was implemented in Lyndale that it will possible impedes in some technical performance. Separation and layering feature is quite decent as it has a decent amount of spacing and positioning of each instruments and singers, with an ample distance of distance that I can certainly discerningly estimated the location and distance of placement of instruments and vocalists, though not the most pinpoint and accurate one due to that I’m still processing in a few seconds on figuring out its proper location on each channel on binaural phase.
Coherency is good for this unit as its drivers matching on both of its mono dynamic driver and a BA driver produces a very consolidating manner and performs harmoniously without any unbalanced, distortion and out of phase. Not the most nimble drivers as I find it more on moderate speed rather than a fast one. Timbre-wise, It has a sprinkle of warmth on its natural tonal colour, well at least it doesn’t sound metallic.
To sum up my conclusion in this review. To be honest, when I first used this IEM out of the box, my initial impression on this one isn’t that impressive and have some qualms on its tuning. After a long listening session by using this IEM for several days It really change my opinion on this one as I find very pleasant and matured sounding that somehow outperform my expectation.
The minor issue that I encountered on this product isn’t about the tuning nor its packaging, It was the decision on its pricing. In my opinion, an IEM which has only two (2) hybrid driver set-up which has a balanced armature driver that isn’t either Knowles or Sonion drivers at over $100/£74 is quite overstated to put such as price tag as we are aware the current state of audio market on how competitive the other audio companies right now as they even release a product in a monthly basis and offer even more affordable options and variety to choose from. But to look on other perspective, the way on how Ambient Dynamics present its products has a merit to have compelling desirability and on how they put up some inclusions of high quality and bespoke value.
If you look for an IEM that matured, warm and relaxed sounding with a more premium touch, then this one is of the recommendation that I can suggest. Thank you for having a time on reading my content and I hope you enjoy it.
AD-006 Lyndale is currently at discounted price of $140/£103 from the previous asking price tag of $200/£148.
SPECIFICATION:
MODEL: AMBIENT DYNAMICS AD-006 LYNDALE
IMPEDANCE: 12Ω
SENSITIVITY: 109dB
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 20Hz - 20KHz
CABLE LENGTH: 1.2M
PIN TYPE: 2-PIN CONNECTOR
PLUG TYPE: 3.5mm
DRIVER UNITS: ONE (1) DYNAMIC DRIVER & (1) BALANCED ARMATURE DRIVER.
Some Tracks Tested: ( * = 16-bit FLAC, ** = 24-bit FLAC, *'* = MQA, '*' = DSD, *'= .WAV)
Alison Krauss -When You Say Nothing At All *
Jade Wiedlin - Blue Kiss**
Led Zeppelin - When The Levee Breaks **
Mountain - Mississippi Queen *
Queen - Killer Queen **
Guns N' Roses - Patience *'*
Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven '*'
Sergio Mendes- Never Gonna Let You Go '*'
Pearl Jam - Daughter **
Roselia - Hidamari Rhodonite *
Assassin - Fight (To Stop The Tyranny)*
Celtic Frost- Visual Aggression *
New Order - Blue Monday *
The Corrs- What Can I do (unplugged version) *
Jimi Hendrix Experience - Voodoo Child *
The Madness- Buggy Trousers *
Metallica - Motorbreath **
Mariah Carey- Always Be My Baby *
Destiny's Child - Say My Name *
Malice Mizer- Au Revoir *
Mozart - Lacrimosa *
New York Philharmonic Orchestra - Dvorak- Symphony 9 " From the New World." *
Eva Cassidy - Fields of Gold (Sting cover)*
Michael Jackson - Give In To Me *
Exciter - Violence and Force *
Diana Krall - Stop This World **
Debbie Gibson - Foolish Beat *'*
Sister of Mercy - Lucretia My Reflection **
Eagles - Hotel California (MTV live) ‘*’
P.S.
I am not affiliated to AMBIENT DYNAMICS nor receive monetary incentives and financial gains as they provide me a review unit for an exchange of factual and sincere feedback from yours truly.
Once again, I would like to thank Austin Chang for providing this review unit, I truly appreciate on his generosity towards me and other reviewers.
RemedyMusic
Articulate and detailed as always mate. 
INTRODUCTION:
Ambient Dynamics motto is “Music is for everyone”, they are a company that aims to make high quality music affordable to all audiophiles or newcomers alike. They aim to make products that create value and punch well above their price point to help grow the industry and hobby that we all love.
This is the first time that I have heard of Ambient Dynamics and they are a company based in Minnesota.
DISCLAIMER:
I would like to thank again, Adrian Yambao for pointing me to Ambient Dynamics, thus having the opportunity to test their first product the Lyndale. Special thanks to Austin Chang for supervising all our transactions, delivery details and all procedure for their product to reach me all the way from Minnesota. They are a very approachable team and it was a nice experience dealing with them.
My opinions here are completely my own. I am NOT in any way influenced of any form of incentive. This is purely my honest, subjective impressions and experience with the gear on hand. I cannot stress more that you should take this as a grain of salt for we have different perception to sound and what we hear. I always try my best to stick with the stock accessories that comes with the gear by default. You are free to try other methods such as tip rolling or cable rolling. Below are worth noting before concluding on what I say here:
My reviews are more on how music sound on our ears. The technical stuff like frequency graphs and the physics behind the tech and drivers used, I leave to other reviewers.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Configuration: 1x dynamic drive (10mm PU+TI composite diaphragm) 1x balanced armature (E-audio 29689-000)
Impedance: 12 ohms
Sensitivity: 109db
Freq response: 20hz-20khz
PACKAGING:
Packaging here is somewhat a new experience. It has a very nice presentation. When it arrived, I was quite excited. i appreciate the gesture of giving a good unboxing experience. Below are the package inclusions:
PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES:
The shell is very simple and elegant. Nothing fancy here. You know the saying “simplicity is best” is at work here. The shell has very nice ergonomics and curves. It doesn’t have a metal nozzle and I was actually reminded of some IEMs I have reviewed, which are from Hi-senior the T2 classic and FE3U. They feel very light to wear and offers very good seal and fit. More of this as we move along. It is a medical grade resin, 3d printed and the resin blend is proprietary.
Moving on to how it sounds..
LOWS:
The lows here have an adequate elevation but never did it felt too much or bloated to me. If the tracks call for sub bass, Lyndale gives a good rumble. The mid bass is well presented too. Over all, the lows have a relaxed nature. Personally, I like my lows, punchy and this is where the lows are lacking. But then, that is just me. Lows are presented in a smooth manner rather than aggressive. Texture is on the lighter side of things but timbre offers a very organic and natural reproduction.
Conclusively, the lows here gave a commendable, smooth experience. Very nicely elevated, and very minimal bleeds to other frequencies. At least to my ears. No complains here aside from I wish it could have been punchier. Again, this is just me.
MIDS:
Mids here are somewhat recessed. Again, I have been saying on my reviews I am a mid-centric. I love my mids forward with a bit of aggression. This is because as a keyboard player, a lot of instruments relevant to my role, is in the mids. Yet, the mids here did not feel too pushed back to my liking. Texture and resolution on instruments, like pianos, Rhodes, guitars, organs are a bit laid back but still, did not bother me at all. I can still sense details but it could be better. Vocals, however, did give a certain intimacy and engagement. Which I think will benefit vocalists. Diana Krall sounded really smooth and sweet as well as male vocalists like Michael Jackson.
Conclusively, the mids here are a bit lacking on detail retrieval and texture, offering again a relaxed nature, yet a desirable warm presentation.
TREBLES:
Ok now the trebles…I think it is safe to say this is where the Lyndale needs more. The roll off here is quite noticeable and some of the micro details that I was used to hear, is pushed back or barely audible.
The upside here though, is the Lyndale never ever felt fatiguing to listen. I am not a rock head, but with Lyndale, I can listen to my favorite rock tracks from Rage Against the Machine, Incubus, Nickelback, Red hot chili peppers and the likes. Though metal heads might miss their shouty guitars and cymbal strikes. Rock was somewhat intended to be loud and shouty, but for me, a treble sensitive, Lyndale gave just the right amount of trebles.
Brass sections from Earth, Wind and Fire, was still justified though. Their live album, Live in Velfare, was a brightly mixed album and with Lyndale, it was just right for long listening sessions.
Conclusively, the trebles could have been better with a bit more of air, sparkle and extension to my liking. But hey, I think the Lyndale was not intended to be a bright sounding set. Again, this is just my subjective preference.
FIT & ISOLATION
Now this is the best part. So far among my IEMs, the TINHIFI T3 plus is my favorite when it comes to comfortability. And now, the Lyndale took that throne. The fitting here is just superb. It is as almost, a custom IEM fit. It offers a snug fit, never fell off my ears even when I’m perspiring.
Sealing is very commendable too, giving a very nice isolation and blocks outside noise at least, 70%. This is quite constructive for musicians on stage, live streams and monitoring.
I have used Lyndale on my weekly live stream, and that is a 2 hour session, straight no breaks. Lyndale gave me a fatigue free experience. Lyndale is ultra light, and that adds to the comfortability of wear.
SOUNDSTAGE AND IMAGING:
Stage here is decent or must I say, above average. I can sense a commendable head space especially on live tracks or albums. A very wide sound stage is really not my thing, for I prefer my details and instruments intimate rather than far off. Still I enjoy a sense of head space but not that much. I mean if you are looking for really wide sound stage, open back headphones and ear buds are the way to go.
Imaging is also above average. Panning of instruments and their positions are audible and I didn’t have problem locating them. This might not be as accurate as my BQEYZ Autumn, but still Lyndale delivered very good imaging and instrument placement.
Now instrument separation, is not Lyndale’s strong point. I did not sense much of good layering but rather instruments are presented as a whole. Which is not bad for casual listening and music enjoyment, but for critical studying of harmonies, chords and vocal tracking, this is where Lyndale falls short.
Conclusively, technicalities here are still pretty decent. Nothing to hate, but nothing spectacular. Maybe on Ambient Dynamics future releases, they can improve this.
SOURCES AND GEARS:
For this review, I have added a dedicated DAP for the main purpose of auditioning and reviewing IEMs. I have added HIDIZS AP80pro. I must say, I have enjoyed ZEX pro more when I paired it with the AP80pro compare to my LG V30 quad dac phone. So feel free to explore good synergies with DAPs.
The AP80pro was mainly used for this review.
Here are some tracks I usually listen to when reviewing:
That’s the way of the World by EWF
Africa by TOTO
The Girl in the Other Room by Diana Kral
Balmorhea album All is wild, All is Silent
Sila by Sud
Smooth Escape by D’Sound
Never too Much by Luther Vandross
P.Y.T by Michael Jackson
Ain’t no Sunshine by Eva Cassidy
Shoot to Thrill by AC/DC
Another one bites the Dust by Queen
Good times bad times by Edie Brickell
Alice in Wonderland by Bill Evans
Ain’t it Fun by Paramore
Redefine by Incubus
Far Away by Nickelback
Lovesong by Adele
Lingus by Snarky Puppy
Harvest for the World by Vanessa Williams
Love Bites by Def Leppard
No Such Thing by John Mayer
As by Stevie Wonder
Whip Appeal by Babyface
Ain’t Nobody by Chaka Khan
Futures by Prep
Landslide by Fleetwood Mac
Every Summertime by NIKI
SADE tracks
AC/DC tracks
Queen tracks
And many more… I always listen to High resolution format, being the least quality 16bit/44khz FLACS be it offline or online.
VERDICT:
I must say for a first release, the Lyndale is a good start for Ambient Dynamics. It is a warm sounding set, relaxed in character and offers average technicalities. Some might be thrown off with the treble roll off, yet on brightly mastered tracks, still that treble pushed through. I tried not to look for what is missing on Lyndale, or super impose my personal preference, but rather I embraced its tuning and character. It will suit anyone who wants to enjoy music, free of any fatigue, physical or hearing aspect. The lows are satisfying here, mids are lacking in texture but timbre is very organic and natural. Vocals are very engaging especially on tracks that the vocals are up close, man, it was quite the experience.
Now for the price tag… honestly, I think Ambient Dynamics are asking a bit too much here. I have reviewed the TRI Meteor, which I think comes close to Lyndale’s character, but it is 30-40$ less, with better technicalities and a punchier bass response. But not the same can be said for the trebles. I will choose a laid-back treble over a piercing one, which the Meteor possess. If the price tag could just be a bit less, the Lyndale will be a commendable player in the cut throat world of Chi-fi. I’m sorry to say this, and I know Ambient Dynamics is not trying to compete with chifi products, but truth be told, let us admit it, chifi really is a tough competition to the brands from the west.
I can see myself using this mainly on my live streams and even on stage performances. And for my long listening sessions of music enjoyment. But for critical listening and study of songs, particularly on chordal harmonies and such, I have other options for that. Vocalists on the other hand, might find Lyndale constructive. I will let my wife, who is a singer as well be the judge of that.
Well I hope, you enjoyed reading if you have reached this point. Again, this is my pure subjective take on Lyndale, all opinions here are completely my own. And your mileage, may and most likely vary. I would like to thank Ambient Dynamics again, for entertaining a small time reviewer like me, and I hope my honesty in this review, will help them on their future products.
Cheers! See you on the next one! God bless!
Ambient Dynamics motto is “Music is for everyone”, they are a company that aims to make high quality music affordable to all audiophiles or newcomers alike. They aim to make products that create value and punch well above their price point to help grow the industry and hobby that we all love.
This is the first time that I have heard of Ambient Dynamics and they are a company based in Minnesota.
DISCLAIMER:
I would like to thank again, Adrian Yambao for pointing me to Ambient Dynamics, thus having the opportunity to test their first product the Lyndale. Special thanks to Austin Chang for supervising all our transactions, delivery details and all procedure for their product to reach me all the way from Minnesota. They are a very approachable team and it was a nice experience dealing with them.
My opinions here are completely my own. I am NOT in any way influenced of any form of incentive. This is purely my honest, subjective impressions and experience with the gear on hand. I cannot stress more that you should take this as a grain of salt for we have different perception to sound and what we hear. I always try my best to stick with the stock accessories that comes with the gear by default. You are free to try other methods such as tip rolling or cable rolling. Below are worth noting before concluding on what I say here:
- DAP (digital audio player, be it phone, laptop, mobile, or stationary setup)
- DAC or dongle or any external amp
- Tips
- Cables
- Source of audio file be it offline FLACS or streaming service like Deezer, Apple music, Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify and the likes..
My reviews are more on how music sound on our ears. The technical stuff like frequency graphs and the physics behind the tech and drivers used, I leave to other reviewers.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Configuration: 1x dynamic drive (10mm PU+TI composite diaphragm) 1x balanced armature (E-audio 29689-000)
Impedance: 12 ohms
Sensitivity: 109db
Freq response: 20hz-20khz
PACKAGING:
Packaging here is somewhat a new experience. It has a very nice presentation. When it arrived, I was quite excited. i appreciate the gesture of giving a good unboxing experience. Below are the package inclusions:
- Box is charcoal black. Simple but well printed.
- A user guide in a black envelope.
- A rather large carrying pouch that can house 3 iems.
- Ear tips with a casing. 3 pairs of silicone tips, 3 pairs of foam tips.
- A cleaning tool.
- The driver itself Lyndale
- A cable – 8 core oxygen-free copper litz wire
PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES:
The shell is very simple and elegant. Nothing fancy here. You know the saying “simplicity is best” is at work here. The shell has very nice ergonomics and curves. It doesn’t have a metal nozzle and I was actually reminded of some IEMs I have reviewed, which are from Hi-senior the T2 classic and FE3U. They feel very light to wear and offers very good seal and fit. More of this as we move along. It is a medical grade resin, 3d printed and the resin blend is proprietary.
Moving on to how it sounds..
LOWS:
The lows here have an adequate elevation but never did it felt too much or bloated to me. If the tracks call for sub bass, Lyndale gives a good rumble. The mid bass is well presented too. Over all, the lows have a relaxed nature. Personally, I like my lows, punchy and this is where the lows are lacking. But then, that is just me. Lows are presented in a smooth manner rather than aggressive. Texture is on the lighter side of things but timbre offers a very organic and natural reproduction.
Conclusively, the lows here gave a commendable, smooth experience. Very nicely elevated, and very minimal bleeds to other frequencies. At least to my ears. No complains here aside from I wish it could have been punchier. Again, this is just me.
MIDS:
Mids here are somewhat recessed. Again, I have been saying on my reviews I am a mid-centric. I love my mids forward with a bit of aggression. This is because as a keyboard player, a lot of instruments relevant to my role, is in the mids. Yet, the mids here did not feel too pushed back to my liking. Texture and resolution on instruments, like pianos, Rhodes, guitars, organs are a bit laid back but still, did not bother me at all. I can still sense details but it could be better. Vocals, however, did give a certain intimacy and engagement. Which I think will benefit vocalists. Diana Krall sounded really smooth and sweet as well as male vocalists like Michael Jackson.
Conclusively, the mids here are a bit lacking on detail retrieval and texture, offering again a relaxed nature, yet a desirable warm presentation.
TREBLES:
Ok now the trebles…I think it is safe to say this is where the Lyndale needs more. The roll off here is quite noticeable and some of the micro details that I was used to hear, is pushed back or barely audible.
The upside here though, is the Lyndale never ever felt fatiguing to listen. I am not a rock head, but with Lyndale, I can listen to my favorite rock tracks from Rage Against the Machine, Incubus, Nickelback, Red hot chili peppers and the likes. Though metal heads might miss their shouty guitars and cymbal strikes. Rock was somewhat intended to be loud and shouty, but for me, a treble sensitive, Lyndale gave just the right amount of trebles.
Brass sections from Earth, Wind and Fire, was still justified though. Their live album, Live in Velfare, was a brightly mixed album and with Lyndale, it was just right for long listening sessions.
Conclusively, the trebles could have been better with a bit more of air, sparkle and extension to my liking. But hey, I think the Lyndale was not intended to be a bright sounding set. Again, this is just my subjective preference.
FIT & ISOLATION
Now this is the best part. So far among my IEMs, the TINHIFI T3 plus is my favorite when it comes to comfortability. And now, the Lyndale took that throne. The fitting here is just superb. It is as almost, a custom IEM fit. It offers a snug fit, never fell off my ears even when I’m perspiring.
Sealing is very commendable too, giving a very nice isolation and blocks outside noise at least, 70%. This is quite constructive for musicians on stage, live streams and monitoring.
I have used Lyndale on my weekly live stream, and that is a 2 hour session, straight no breaks. Lyndale gave me a fatigue free experience. Lyndale is ultra light, and that adds to the comfortability of wear.
SOUNDSTAGE AND IMAGING:
Stage here is decent or must I say, above average. I can sense a commendable head space especially on live tracks or albums. A very wide sound stage is really not my thing, for I prefer my details and instruments intimate rather than far off. Still I enjoy a sense of head space but not that much. I mean if you are looking for really wide sound stage, open back headphones and ear buds are the way to go.
Imaging is also above average. Panning of instruments and their positions are audible and I didn’t have problem locating them. This might not be as accurate as my BQEYZ Autumn, but still Lyndale delivered very good imaging and instrument placement.
Now instrument separation, is not Lyndale’s strong point. I did not sense much of good layering but rather instruments are presented as a whole. Which is not bad for casual listening and music enjoyment, but for critical studying of harmonies, chords and vocal tracking, this is where Lyndale falls short.
Conclusively, technicalities here are still pretty decent. Nothing to hate, but nothing spectacular. Maybe on Ambient Dynamics future releases, they can improve this.
SOURCES AND GEARS:
- LG V30 hifi dac (high impedance mode)
- Hiby Music player
- UAPP app (USB Audio Player Pro)
- Tidal Masters subscription
- And some offline FLACS
For this review, I have added a dedicated DAP for the main purpose of auditioning and reviewing IEMs. I have added HIDIZS AP80pro. I must say, I have enjoyed ZEX pro more when I paired it with the AP80pro compare to my LG V30 quad dac phone. So feel free to explore good synergies with DAPs.
The AP80pro was mainly used for this review.
Here are some tracks I usually listen to when reviewing:
That’s the way of the World by EWF
Africa by TOTO
The Girl in the Other Room by Diana Kral
Balmorhea album All is wild, All is Silent
Sila by Sud
Smooth Escape by D’Sound
Never too Much by Luther Vandross
P.Y.T by Michael Jackson
Ain’t no Sunshine by Eva Cassidy
Shoot to Thrill by AC/DC
Another one bites the Dust by Queen
Good times bad times by Edie Brickell
Alice in Wonderland by Bill Evans
Ain’t it Fun by Paramore
Redefine by Incubus
Far Away by Nickelback
Lovesong by Adele
Lingus by Snarky Puppy
Harvest for the World by Vanessa Williams
Love Bites by Def Leppard
No Such Thing by John Mayer
As by Stevie Wonder
Whip Appeal by Babyface
Ain’t Nobody by Chaka Khan
Futures by Prep
Landslide by Fleetwood Mac
Every Summertime by NIKI
SADE tracks
AC/DC tracks
Queen tracks
And many more… I always listen to High resolution format, being the least quality 16bit/44khz FLACS be it offline or online.
VERDICT:
I must say for a first release, the Lyndale is a good start for Ambient Dynamics. It is a warm sounding set, relaxed in character and offers average technicalities. Some might be thrown off with the treble roll off, yet on brightly mastered tracks, still that treble pushed through. I tried not to look for what is missing on Lyndale, or super impose my personal preference, but rather I embraced its tuning and character. It will suit anyone who wants to enjoy music, free of any fatigue, physical or hearing aspect. The lows are satisfying here, mids are lacking in texture but timbre is very organic and natural. Vocals are very engaging especially on tracks that the vocals are up close, man, it was quite the experience.
Now for the price tag… honestly, I think Ambient Dynamics are asking a bit too much here. I have reviewed the TRI Meteor, which I think comes close to Lyndale’s character, but it is 30-40$ less, with better technicalities and a punchier bass response. But not the same can be said for the trebles. I will choose a laid-back treble over a piercing one, which the Meteor possess. If the price tag could just be a bit less, the Lyndale will be a commendable player in the cut throat world of Chi-fi. I’m sorry to say this, and I know Ambient Dynamics is not trying to compete with chifi products, but truth be told, let us admit it, chifi really is a tough competition to the brands from the west.
I can see myself using this mainly on my live streams and even on stage performances. And for my long listening sessions of music enjoyment. But for critical listening and study of songs, particularly on chordal harmonies and such, I have other options for that. Vocalists on the other hand, might find Lyndale constructive. I will let my wife, who is a singer as well be the judge of that.
Well I hope, you enjoyed reading if you have reached this point. Again, this is my pure subjective take on Lyndale, all opinions here are completely my own. And your mileage, may and most likely vary. I would like to thank Ambient Dynamics again, for entertaining a small time reviewer like me, and I hope my honesty in this review, will help them on their future products.
Cheers! See you on the next one! God bless!
OceanPoet
This was a great write-up. Thanks!
Introduction:
Ambient Dynamics is a new company that is from Minnesota, United States. Their flagship, debut product is the Lyndale which was named after a place from the aforementioned state in the US. Each pair of the Lyndale is handmade and assembled manually in their headquarters. The Lyndale normally retails for 199 USD, but as of writing this review, Ambient Dynamics is offering an introductory price of 149 USD. The Lyndale was provided to me for free by Ambient Dynamics in exchange for this review.
International purchase link
Specifications:
Driver units: 10 mm dynamic, PU + TI composite diaphragm + E-Audio 29689-000 balanced armature
Impedance: 12 ohms
Sensitivity: 109 dB
Frequency response range: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Source:
Poco X3 paired with FiiO KA3, iBasso DC03, Shanling UA1, Tempotec Sonata E35 and Zishan U1
Test tracks:
Africano - Earth Wind and Fire
Dark Necessities - Red Hot Chili Peppers
Gurenge - Lisa
The Chain - Fleetwood Mac
Monsters - All Time Low
Ours - Taylor Swift
Stay - Mayday Parade
Snuff - Slipknot
Yesterday Once More - Carpenters
So Slow - Freestyle
Aurora Sunrise - Franco
Attention - Pentatonix
Blue Bird - Ikimono-gakari
You're Still The One - Shania Twain
Anyone Who Knows What Love Is(Will Understand) - Irma Thomas
Salamin - Slapshock
AOV - Slipknot
Hey Jude - The Beatles
The Way You Make Me Feel - Michael Jackson
...and a lot more.
Unboxing and Accessories:
The Lyndale comes in a large, elegant looking box with a matte plastic sleeve. Upon opening, there is a large envelope that contains the user manual. Underneath is a large, fabric carrying case that contains the earphones with the cable already attached. There is also a small translucent plastic case that contains the silicone and foam eartips in three sizes, and a cleaning tool.
Build:
The shells are made of medical grade 3D-printed resin with a minimalist, seamless design. The faceplates sport the Ambient Dynamics logo in gold. Printed at the top portion are the model name and the serial number. The shells doesn't have a vent which improves noise isolation. The nozzles are longer than average, has a lip to hold eartips in place and a metal filter to keep foreign objects out.
The cable is a braided 8-core oxygen-free copper litz. It is somewhat sticky but otherwise very soft and lightweight. The male 0.78 mm 2 pin connectors are made of metal that has red and blue rings to indicate the right and left side respectively. The chin slider is made of hard rubber, while the splitter and the straight 3.5 mm gold plated plug are made of metal.
Now let's get to the sound.
Lows:
The lows sound full, thick and have an enhanced impact. Subbass is resounding and reaches great depths, accompanied by a well extended decay. Midbass is well-rounded, slightly more forward, and with a substantial weight behind every punch.
Overall, the lows of the Lyndale adds plenty of the excitement factor in each track and may be enough to satisfy bassheads. That being said, the lows does not, in any way, hamper the mids and the highs.
Mids:
The mids are very dynamic. The elevated warmth in the lows carries on through the lower mids and the male vocals, making them slightly thick in a good way but ever so slightly recessed. Meanwhile, there is a small but noticeable boost in the upper mids that makes female vocals more forward to some degree and adds a bit more life to the instruments.
Overall, despite the elevation in the upper and lower section of the mids, it can be noticed that the articulation is slightly below average. The voices and instruments can sometimes feel partially hazy especially when the tracks get busier.
Highs:
The highs are presented in a relaxed manner. Treble reach is great but it doesn't receive much support from the lower treble causing instruments like cymbals to sound a bit grainy or hollow at times. The decay, on the other hand, is just on the average side.
Overall, the highs of the Lyndale has sufficient amount of sparkle, detail, and can reach great heights but need more definition especially in its lower section.
Soundstage and Imaging:
Apparently, this is the Lyndale's weakness. The stage does not expand that much, with both the width and depth having the same amount of space. There is a fair amount of clarity and definition in the imaging. Instruments have sufficient air and space in between them but can sometimes feel lacking. And although it's not so bad, hints of congestion can also be heard in complex tracks.
Comparisons:
Ambient Dynamics Lyndale (1 BA + 1 DD, 199 USD) vs. Audiosense DT300 (3 BA, 180 USD)
The lows of the DT300 has a cleaner, smoother texture. The subbass of the DT300 sound considerably deeper, but the Lyndale has more presence of rumble. The midbass is thicker in the DT300 while the Lyndale has the quicker decay. The mids have better clarity and sound more open and airy in the DT300. In terms of the highs, the DT300 has the better reach and slightly longer decay, and was also able to present more of the small details in the tracks. The stage is more spacious in the DT300 in both the height and the width. Imaging is also more accurate and instruments have better layering in the DT300.
Conclusion:
The Lyndale is the very first product from Ambient Dynamics, yet they did a pretty good job. From the unboxing experience, to the accessories, design, and the build quality, it is evident that Ambient Dynamics took their time, along with a careful thought, before launching these. However, the Lyndale got introduced in a very, very saturated and highly competitive price range, which makes it quite hard for the Lyndale to withstand the competition.
Ambient Dynamics is a new company that is from Minnesota, United States. Their flagship, debut product is the Lyndale which was named after a place from the aforementioned state in the US. Each pair of the Lyndale is handmade and assembled manually in their headquarters. The Lyndale normally retails for 199 USD, but as of writing this review, Ambient Dynamics is offering an introductory price of 149 USD. The Lyndale was provided to me for free by Ambient Dynamics in exchange for this review.
International purchase link
Specifications:
Driver units: 10 mm dynamic, PU + TI composite diaphragm + E-Audio 29689-000 balanced armature
Impedance: 12 ohms
Sensitivity: 109 dB
Frequency response range: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Source:
Poco X3 paired with FiiO KA3, iBasso DC03, Shanling UA1, Tempotec Sonata E35 and Zishan U1
Test tracks:
Africano - Earth Wind and Fire
Dark Necessities - Red Hot Chili Peppers
Gurenge - Lisa
The Chain - Fleetwood Mac
Monsters - All Time Low
Ours - Taylor Swift
Stay - Mayday Parade
Snuff - Slipknot
Yesterday Once More - Carpenters
So Slow - Freestyle
Aurora Sunrise - Franco
Attention - Pentatonix
Blue Bird - Ikimono-gakari
You're Still The One - Shania Twain
Anyone Who Knows What Love Is(Will Understand) - Irma Thomas
Salamin - Slapshock
AOV - Slipknot
Hey Jude - The Beatles
The Way You Make Me Feel - Michael Jackson
...and a lot more.
Unboxing and Accessories:
The Lyndale comes in a large, elegant looking box with a matte plastic sleeve. Upon opening, there is a large envelope that contains the user manual. Underneath is a large, fabric carrying case that contains the earphones with the cable already attached. There is also a small translucent plastic case that contains the silicone and foam eartips in three sizes, and a cleaning tool.
Build:
The shells are made of medical grade 3D-printed resin with a minimalist, seamless design. The faceplates sport the Ambient Dynamics logo in gold. Printed at the top portion are the model name and the serial number. The shells doesn't have a vent which improves noise isolation. The nozzles are longer than average, has a lip to hold eartips in place and a metal filter to keep foreign objects out.
The cable is a braided 8-core oxygen-free copper litz. It is somewhat sticky but otherwise very soft and lightweight. The male 0.78 mm 2 pin connectors are made of metal that has red and blue rings to indicate the right and left side respectively. The chin slider is made of hard rubber, while the splitter and the straight 3.5 mm gold plated plug are made of metal.
Now let's get to the sound.
Lows:
The lows sound full, thick and have an enhanced impact. Subbass is resounding and reaches great depths, accompanied by a well extended decay. Midbass is well-rounded, slightly more forward, and with a substantial weight behind every punch.
Overall, the lows of the Lyndale adds plenty of the excitement factor in each track and may be enough to satisfy bassheads. That being said, the lows does not, in any way, hamper the mids and the highs.
Mids:
The mids are very dynamic. The elevated warmth in the lows carries on through the lower mids and the male vocals, making them slightly thick in a good way but ever so slightly recessed. Meanwhile, there is a small but noticeable boost in the upper mids that makes female vocals more forward to some degree and adds a bit more life to the instruments.
Overall, despite the elevation in the upper and lower section of the mids, it can be noticed that the articulation is slightly below average. The voices and instruments can sometimes feel partially hazy especially when the tracks get busier.
Highs:
The highs are presented in a relaxed manner. Treble reach is great but it doesn't receive much support from the lower treble causing instruments like cymbals to sound a bit grainy or hollow at times. The decay, on the other hand, is just on the average side.
Overall, the highs of the Lyndale has sufficient amount of sparkle, detail, and can reach great heights but need more definition especially in its lower section.
Soundstage and Imaging:
Apparently, this is the Lyndale's weakness. The stage does not expand that much, with both the width and depth having the same amount of space. There is a fair amount of clarity and definition in the imaging. Instruments have sufficient air and space in between them but can sometimes feel lacking. And although it's not so bad, hints of congestion can also be heard in complex tracks.
Comparisons:
Ambient Dynamics Lyndale (1 BA + 1 DD, 199 USD) vs. Audiosense DT300 (3 BA, 180 USD)
The lows of the DT300 has a cleaner, smoother texture. The subbass of the DT300 sound considerably deeper, but the Lyndale has more presence of rumble. The midbass is thicker in the DT300 while the Lyndale has the quicker decay. The mids have better clarity and sound more open and airy in the DT300. In terms of the highs, the DT300 has the better reach and slightly longer decay, and was also able to present more of the small details in the tracks. The stage is more spacious in the DT300 in both the height and the width. Imaging is also more accurate and instruments have better layering in the DT300.
Conclusion:
The Lyndale is the very first product from Ambient Dynamics, yet they did a pretty good job. From the unboxing experience, to the accessories, design, and the build quality, it is evident that Ambient Dynamics took their time, along with a careful thought, before launching these. However, the Lyndale got introduced in a very, very saturated and highly competitive price range, which makes it quite hard for the Lyndale to withstand the competition.
