Lindemann Woodnote Combo

Lindemann Woodnote Combo

Integrated amplifier with music streaming

The Woodnote series is, at the time of writing, Lindemann Audio’s new class of Hi-Fi products, combining the high performance of the larger MusicBook models with design ideas from the smaller Limetree series. Woodnote Solo is an integrated amplifier that merges a wide range of streaming functions with user-friendly operation and high sound quality. With a touch of retro charm and more than a quarter-century of experience in digital audio products, the Woodnote series offers an impressive experience in functionality and ease of use. Woodnote Solo is the ideal solution for those who want high-quality music playback and use streaming services or have their own music library on a hard drive or network storage.

Comprehensive streaming capabilities

Woodnote Combo is based on Lindemann Audio’s excellent streaming platform, which serves as the hub for an impressive selection of streaming functions. Operation is managed through Lindemann’s free app for iOS and Android, allowing users to find and play music from online music services or locally stored music libraries. The system supports Spotify, Deezer, Qobuz, and Tidal Connect, as well as high-resolution streaming from the German service HighRes Audio. If you have built a library of digital music albums, such as by ripping your own CD collection, you can also access it through Woodnote Combo. If your music is stored on a NAS (network-attached storage), you can stream it to Woodnote Combo via DLNA/UPnP. If you have invested in a Roon server, you’ll be pleased to know that Woodnote Combo is also Roon Ready certified. This means you can play all your music from your Roon library in the best possible quality. The amplifier also includes Bluetooth reception, though with all the other streaming options available, this might not be the most exciting feature.

Also supports external digital sources

In addition to streaming capabilities, the amplifier offers several inputs for connecting external devices. On the back, you’ll find an HDMI input with ARC (Audio Return Channel) functionality, allowing you to route your TV’s audio through the amplifier. If you have external digital audio sources, such as a CD player, they can be connected via either optical TosLink or coaxial S/PDIF. There is also a USB input, which can be used to connect an external USB drive with music files. You can even attach a CD-ROM drive to play CDs directly through the amplifier. The amplifier includes a wired network connection, which we recommend using if possible. Wireless networking is also an option, but experience shows that both stability and sound quality are improved with a wired connection. This applies to all network-connected Hi-Fi devices, not just the Woodnote Solo.

Advanced digital signal processing

Lindemann is known for creating highly refined digital solutions, and this is certainly true for the Woodnote series. The digital core of this amplifier is based on a two-stage DAC design, where incoming signals are processed in a MEMS Femto Clock, re-sampled, and then converted to a 1-bit signal (DSD), effectively eliminating jitter. The 1-bit signal is then converted using an AKM AK4493S DAC chip. The result is significantly reduced noise in the upper frequency range, with improved definition and greater fidelity to the original recording.

With its modest 2 x 30 watts into an 4 ohm load, this amplifier won’t produce wall-shaking sound levels. However, it delivers fantastic performance and is more than capable of filling a smaller living room with high-quality sound when paired with a good set of speakers. The advantage here is that you get a relatively compact package with everything you need to enjoy high-quality music – except for the speakers, of course – with a focus on simple design and great user-friendliness. The amplifier is manufactured by Lindemann in Germany, which also developed the app used for the Woodnote series.