Lyngdorf MP-60 2.1 16-Channel Surround Sound Processor Review

The Lyngdorf MP-60 2.1 is a flagship 16-channel AV preamplifier/processor from the Danish high-end specialist Lyngdorf Audio (part of the Steinway Lyngdorf group). It is designed for serious home theater enthusiasts who demand reference-level performance in both multi-channel immersive audio and high-quality stereo music playback. Priced around $15,000 / £12,000+, it sits firmly in the ultra-high-end category.

Design and Build

The MP-60 2.1 features a minimalist, elegant Scandinavian design with a clean black aluminum chassis and a glass front panel. A large central volume knob and a simple display dominate the front, keeping the aesthetic understated and sophisticated. It can be used freestanding or rack-mounted (4U). Build quality is excellent, and the unit runs quietly with minimal heat generation. Weight is approximately 9 kg (19 lbs), making it relatively manageable for a high-end processor.

The interface is primarily web-based (via browser, tablet, or smartphone apps), which is modern, flexible, and highly configurable. An RF/IR remote is included.

Key Features and Specifications

• Channels: 16 discrete decoding/upmixing channels (full support for complex immersive layouts)
• Surround formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro (up to 14 channels), AURO-3D (up to 14 channels), plus all major legacy codecs. Post-processing includes Dolby Surround, DTS Neural:X, and AURO-MATIC.
• HDMI: 5 × HDMI 2.1 inputs (one with eARC) and 2 × HDMI 2.1 outputs. Supports 8K/60, 4K/120, VRR, ALLM, QMS, Dynamic Lip-Sync, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG, and more (40 Gbps FRL).
• Audio inputs: HDMI, AES/EBU, coaxial and optical S/PDIF, USB audio, plus microphone input for RoomPerfect.
• Audio outputs: 16 × balanced XLR (up to 8 Vrms), plus a digital zone output. Optional modules available for AES/EBU digital I/O or AES67.
• Room correction: RoomPerfect (Lyngdorf’s highly regarded proprietary system), with advanced bass management and extensive parametric EQ / voicing options (up to 32 voicings).
• Streaming & media: AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect (including Atmos Music), Roon Ready, internet radio, DLNA/UPnP.
• Performance: Frequency response ±0.5 dB (20 Hz–20 kHz); THD max 0.005 %. Fully digital signal path with high-quality DACs and extensive DSP power.
• Other: Full parametric EQ and crossover control on every channel (supports active/bi-amp/tri-amp configurations), dual-zone capability, comprehensive control interfaces (RS-232, Ethernet, triggers, IR).

The fully digital architecture and flexible routing make it especially powerful for complex, high-channel-count systems or active speaker setups.

Sound Quality

The MP-60 2.1 is consistently described by reviewers as a reference-level performer.

• Movies / Immersive audio: Exceptional clarity, imaging, and spatial precision. Effects are tightly localized with excellent depth and immersion. Dynamics are wide, and low-frequency impact is powerful yet controlled—especially with RoomPerfect engaged. Dialogue remains clear and intelligible even in dense mixes.
• Music / Stereo: Remarkably strong for a multi-channel processor. It delivers a natural, detailed, and musical presentation with silky highs, a clear and textured midrange, and well-controlled bass. Many reviewers note that it approaches or matches dedicated high-end stereo preamps in refinement and engagement.
• RoomPerfect: One of the standout features. It is praised for producing a more natural, coherent, and less “processed” result than some competing systems, while significantly improving bass integration and overall balance in real rooms.

Measured performance is excellent, with very low distortion and high transparency. The overall character is detailed yet smooth and non-fatiguing.

Pros

• Reference-level sound quality for both movies and music
• Excellent RoomPerfect room correction and advanced bass management
• Full 16-channel processing with flexible routing and active speaker support
• Modern HDMI 2.1 feature set with 8K/4K120 support
• High build quality and elegant, minimalist design
• Comprehensive streaming support (including Roon Ready and Tidal Atmos)
• Extensive configurability via web interface
• Very low distortion and high measured performance

Cons

• Premium price places it in the ultra-high-end category
• No analog audio or video inputs (fully digital design)
• Setup and optimization benefit from experience or dealer assistance
• Optional digital I/O modules add further cost

Verdict

The Lyngdorf MP-60 2.1 is a true reference-class 16-channel surround sound processor that excels in both immersive home theater and high-quality music playback. Its combination of cutting-edge HDMI 2.1 connectivity, powerful and flexible DSP, outstanding RoomPerfect calibration, and exceptionally refined sonic performance places it among the very best processors available, regardless of price.

It is particularly well suited to listeners who want a single high-end component that can serve as the heart of a sophisticated multi-channel system while still delivering satisfying stereo performance. For those who can accommodate the cost and are building or upgrading a serious reference home theater, the MP-60 2.1 is an outstanding and highly recommended choice.