The daddy of grand pianos has now gone digital, writes STEPHEN FENECH

WHEN you think of the name Steinway, the first image that comes to mind is a shiny black grand piano.

But for the first time Steinway has lent its name to another music product – a digital music player.

Together with well-known European audio technology developer Peter Lyngdorf, Steinway has developed the Model D system – which the company claims is the finest digital sound system in the world.

And with a price tag that’s a shade under $200,000, music lovers should expect nothing less.

The Model D system is comprised of two imposing 206.8cm speakers, each weighing 174kg, along with a central control unit that includes a CD drive and proprietary technology designed to make the music sound like the orchestra is in your lounge room.

Digital Life heard the system in action and, after listening to several classical pieces and a Pink Floyd song, we expected the musicians themselves to emerge from behind a curtain.

Each Model D unit takes more than eight weeks to create, with each speaker crafted through more than 170 hours of precision machining.

Incorporated in the Model D is Lyngdorf’s RoomPerfect technology – a 3D acoustical mapping solution designed to provide exceptional sound.

Lyngdorf says his approach to digital audio and amplification is unique.

"It’s a completely different way of thinking, so when we designed the system we set up two goals in terms of what we should be able to do," he says.

"One was to reproduce the sound of the Steinway grand piano full scale… no compromise. And the other was to reproduce a full symphony orchestra in a large living room (again) with no compromise."

With users having to make a considerable investment, Lyngdorf designed the system so it can be upgraded as new technology emerges.

"We really want this to be an up-to-date system 30 years from now. When we were put together, we very quickly discovered we had virtually the same attitude to our customers and to quality," he says.

"I promised them that we would be able to reproduce a Steinway grand piano so that the Steinway pianists wouldn’t be able to say whether they had heard a piano or a reproduction from our system."

Lyngdorf made good on that promise.

"A Steinway pianist heard the system for the first time and ended up staying in the room for more than three hours," he says.

"He said that for the first time as a pianist he heard the piano being played as though it was live in the room."

Despite the high price tag, Lyngdorf says there are several Australian buyers lining up to acquire a Model D system.

"I don’t think anybody just bought it for the prestige – they bought it just for the love of music," he says.

"They heard it and said they must have it."

The Model D system can be heard at Audio Connection’s new Drummoyne store.

Audio Connection general manager Adam Merlino says the Model D system is an iconic product.

"Listening to fine music on a good system really became a one-man sport, whereas the Model D will work in any environment so it can be enjoyed in the home as a family rather than individually."

For more information go to http://www.steinway.com/

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