Goldarths Review had a chat with Mr. Peter Lyngdorf to find out more about the Model D Music System:

GR

What inspired its design?

PL

The design of the Model D marries contemporary design and the use of materials with state-of-the art digital technology. Also, all levels of the design are very much controlled by function. The loudspeakers are open baffle because that offers the most dynamic and natural musical reproduction quality. The speaker hosts four 12" woofers that have what it takes to reproduce music at concert level and quality in a living room. The head unit pedestal is one meter tall and has the main display on the top to allow ergonomically correct use, to give a few examples.

And obviously, we drew inspiration from the Steinway & Sons Model D concert piano. The rubber strings, wrapped in silk on the front and rear of the speakers, are reminiscent of the strings on a piano. The beautifully lacquered panels are a further tribute to Steinway & Sons' fine tradition of craftsmanship.

GR

We are particularly impressed by the user interface on the Model D. Tell us more about the design inspirations for that.

PL

The high mass, gilded brass volume wheel, mounted on twin precision bearings, has been acknowledged by clients as an iconic feature of the Model D Music System. It gives both a tactile pleasure when spinning the wheel to adjust the volume as well as digitally controlling the power supply voltage of the high power digital-to-analogue converter, which drives the speakers directly to ensure full digital signal resolution and consistently true sound at high or low volume.

GR

Critics and Internet cynics are calling Model-D a marketing ploy, with little input from Steinway & Sons besides cabinet finish. How would you answer these skeptics, who want to know what Steinway & Sons contributed to the project?

PL

Firstly, Steinway & Sons and our company share tremendous similarities in our uncompromising commitment to excellence, incomparable craftsmanship and quality. This collaboration leverages the core capabilities of both companies:

- Steinway & Sons' highest skills in craft is utilized in the black lacquer finishing on all the panels of Steinway Lyngdorf's signature product range - the Model D Music System

- Classic design cues reminiscent of Steinway & Son's legacy are incorporated and further validated by the design vision of Steinway Lyngdorf's leading industrial design team

- Our perfected and proprietary technology (Roomperfect™ and first fully digital amplification technology) and advanced audio know-how.

Secondly, Steinway & Sons has not put its name on a non-piano musical instrument until today because no other music system has been able to reproduce the sound of a Model D concert piano to their satisfaction.

However the Model D Music System by the new company Steinway Lyngdorf is able to do just that. This is the highest endorsement by a great company with a very rich heritage in quality and craft within the music industry. Steinway & Sons helped to test the music system during its developmental stage.

GR

Are you a fan of vinyl? Many audiophiles swear by it. Is there or will there ever be a phono stage on the Model-D?

PL

Vinyl still offers excellent playback quality and many high quality recordings have never been transferred to CD or other digital media. The Model D Music System does not allow for a direct connection to a turntable. However, we can offer a world class RIAA amplifier as an external option.