Steinway Lyngdorf has launched its superb Model D Music System, with the first launch venue being Singapore. The Model D is the world’s first integrated, fully digital music system, meaning all its components are designed to reproduce exactly what has been recorded. The new collaboration between famed piano maker Steinway & Sons and Peter Lyngdorf, one of the world’s most renowned audio engineers, is planning on selling just 100 Model D systems at US$150,000 apiece, and each of which will be tuned in-situ by company representatives using the company's own RoomPerfect 3D sound imaging software to suit the unique listening environment it is placed in.
Goldarths Review has had the distinct privilege of being invited to a private preview of the Model D, whose key design brief included being able to reproduce the exact tone of one of Steinway’s beloved Model D grand pianos. Our initial impressions are very favorable indeed: not only did its complete tonal transparency fulfill this brief, but it surprised us with its rhythm and musicality, which is not what we expected from an all-digital setup. Perhaps the half-ton combined weight of the loudspeaker units – finished in the most lustrous piano black lacquer – helped highlight its subtle power and sheer accuracy.
