Steinway Lyngdorf Speakers & Subs

DrGekko

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I was rather surprised that no one had started a thread on this leveithan brand. So it's about time, especially as it may well be a consideration for me for my next mammoth upgrade... for now it's a pipe dream but we'll see.

My most recent home cinema set-up comprised of the following audio kit:

Integra 9.2 channel DTR60.5 AV receiver
MKSound S150 MkII LCRs, two pairs of 950T surrounds, a pair of MP7 wides and X12 sub.

I considered the most obvious "cost-effective" (Lol) step-up would be to replace the fronts with the new MKSound S300s and add in another X12. If I wanted to go Atmos then I would have to replace the receiver and probably go down the pre and power amp route as well whilst adding the height speakers.

Increasing the budget further, I could replace the surrounds for the new S300Ts as well.

Going on from sensible to exciting to downright bonkers and borrowing from my kids' inheritance, my mum and anyone else who loves me, I'm also considering the Steinway ModelS set-up - initially as a 6.2 set-up and then upgrade to Atmos later perhaps. So this would be using S-15 as fronts and surrounds and a pair of S-210 Boundary subs.

Info: Model S

What's most interesting for me is that the speakers are so small and discrete and in fact the main hub of the system is in the digital processing. The whole system is completely integrated rather than the usual approach of having separate manufacturers for processing, power and speakers. And of course the unique RoomPerfect correction technology which I've been told is simple and extremely effective.

I know Nigel created a masterpiece demo room which some of you have had the pleasure of visiting and I've heard these in action at Rob's place, Gecko Home Cinema - the experience was just amazing.

So if any current owners or these systems wishes to share their enthusiasm and from what they changed from and their thoughts, that would be really valuable.

Ideally it would be great to demo the various options and decide for myself whether pushing the boat out in terms of budget is worth it for me. But here's the start of the dangerous upgrade path again. :D
 
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DrGekko...if you do go the SL route, one I do not think you will find anything better and two it's a system for life...
Big investment but and long term investment
 
May I throw a curve ball? If you are thinking about MK speakers you might want to visit the Epic Home Cinema demo day thread. There were quite a few people there on Sunday who either own MK or have extensively heard MK speakers inc the 300.

They all seemed to think that the XTZ speakers sounded better. Given that they cost much less than the 300 it might be worth considering.

If you're set on a full SL system then thats a different matter altogether!

I've never heard the MK 300 so I'm not in a position to comment but reading what others thought is very interesting.

Btw, I've had a RP1 for many years now and am very happy with it.

Good luck
 
May I throw a curve ball? If you are thinking about MK speakers you might want to visit the Epic Home Cinema demo day thread. There were quite a few people there on Sunday who either own MK or have extensively heard MK speakers inc the 300.

They all seemed to think that the XTZ speakers sounded better. Given that they cost much less than the 300 it might be worth considering.

If you're set on a full SL system then thats a different matter altogether!

I've never heard the MK 300 so I'm not in a position to comment but reading what others thought is very interesting.

Btw, I've had a RP1 for many years now and am very happy with it.

Good luck

What was said regarding the cinemas and the mk 300 indus?
 
What was said regarding the cinemas and the mk 300 indus?


Saul, I may have got this wrong but I got the impression that certain members who have heard the MK set up inc the 300 felt Jag's set up was better. People who own MK set ups said that if they could start again they would go for XTZ.

But please read the thread for yourself. I often speed read threads when I have a sneaky few minutes to myself at work and so sometimes miss some details.

Regards
 
What kind of price are we looking at for the model s? Just did a quick Google search can't find much on the price?
 
What kind of price are we looking at for the model s? Just did a quick Google search can't find much on the price?

You won't find prices on google which suggests way more than I intended or have. :D
You can contact Gecko Home Cinema for prices.
 
Not really i_raz, it's just that they are only sold through trained designer/installers.....this ensures that every single system that goes into a clients room will sound as good as it possibly can.
 
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Steve - Ah OK thanks. I have heard alot about them but never had a chance to listen to them myself.

Gecko - as indus has mentioned, give the xtz some consideration too. I had a home demo of the cinema series and was highly impressed by them.
 
Not really i_raz, it's just that they are only sold through trained designer/installers.....this ensures that every single system that goes into a clients room will sound as good as it possibly can.


There is possibly a downside to this Steve and to the fact that there is basically one distributor/seller in the UK. And that is that without any real competition there is the possibility that the consumer doesn't get value for money.

I feel very uncomfortable spending a large amount of money on a product when there is (effectively) only one seller of said product in the UK. And I don't mean in terms of technical support but in terms of pricing.
 
There is possibly a downside to this Steve and to the fact that there is basically one distributor/seller in the UK. And that is that without any real competition there is the possibility that the consumer doesn't get value for money.

I feel very uncomfortable spending a large amount of money on a product when there is (effectively) only one seller of said product in the UK. And I don't mean in terms of technical support but in terms of pricing.

Hi - I understand what you're saying but this thread isn't really about pricing. All brand new Ferrarris are priced the same in showrooms relative to that country. The only way you'll get price differences is in the second hand market - and that will vary according to age/use/wear and tear etc.

I was hoping that this thread would stimulate owners and those who have listened to the system to offer contributions, compare and contrast to other systems, especially in the same price bracket to keep it fair. It really isn't relevant or valuable to compare a Volkswagen Golf to Ferrari F430.... totally different ball game in terms of R&D, engineering, production and exclusivity.
 
Hi - I understand what you're saying but this thread isn't really about pricing. All brand new Ferrarris are priced the same in showrooms relative to that country. The only way you'll get price differences is in the second hand market - and that will vary according to age/use/wear and tear etc.

I was hoping that this thread would stimulate owners and those who have listened to the system to offer contributions, compare and contrast to other systems, especially in the same price bracket to keep it fair. It really isn't relevant or valuable to compare a Volkswagen Golf to Ferrari F430.... totally different ball game in terms of R&D, engineering, production and exclusivity.


I was only responding to iraz's comments about price. I won't derail your thread if you feel that's what my comments are doing.:)

I will make one final point though if I may? Your whole analogy with Ferraris etc is completely flawed. Firstly I'm not comparing the SL system to a cheaper brand so I'm not sure what your point is regarding Ferraris compared to VW cars.

But more importantly there are many independent dealers of new Ferraris in this country. The factory price might be the same but I'd have the opportunity to deal with whichever showroom I preferred and potentially negotiate a deal.

I certainly know of people who have done so on other high value prestige cars inc Porsches, Aston Martins, Bentleys etc.

Obviously not very likely on a model massively over sold with a two year waiting list but then I'm pretty sure SL speakers don't have a two year wait on them.

Anyway, I'll bow out at this point:)
 
I was only responding to iraz's comments about price. I won't derail your thread if you feel that's what my comments are doing.:)

I will make one final point though if I may? Your whole analogy with Ferraris etc is completely flawed. Firstly I'm not comparing the SL system to a cheaper brand so I'm not sure what your point is regarding Ferraris compared to VW cars.

But more importantly there are many independent dealers of new Ferraris in this country. The factory price might be the same but I'd have the opportunity to deal with whichever showroom I preferred and potentially negotiate a deal.

I certainly know of people who have done so on other high value prestige cars inc Porsches, Aston Martins, Bentleys etc.

Obviously not very likely on a model massively over sold with a two year waiting list but then I'm pretty sure SL speakers don't have a two year wait on them.

Anyway, I'll bow out at this point:)

No, my analogy isn't flawed... it's in the detail. ;)

You said "I feel very uncomfortable spending a large amount of money on a product when there is (effectively) only one seller of said product in the UK. And I don't mean in terms of technical support but in terms of pricing."

There are other sellers of the product in the UK. I'm sure you can approach any of these sellers and negotiate a better price than the RRP, just like you would at any dealership on a new car. Whether that's a discount, added extras, a finance package, whatever.

My analogy was based on several factors, not simply the brand of vehicle - nothing to do with the brand, it's in the engineering and the particular model of vehicle, irrespective of price. These are the factors which actually affect the price significantly. "Audi" is a brand... not all Audis are priced the same. However some brands only produce high end items. In terms of engineering, the price usually reflects the quality, craftsmanship and performance. This wouldn't necessarily apply at all to other "luxury" products such as food, clothing and accessories... that's where a huge mark-up is applied to a product and value added, simply because of the brand, not because it's much more expensive to research and produce.

Anyway, I do take on board your concern and civil discussions are always healthy. That's why I love the forums.

C'mon owners... some comments please???? I don't even own a system and feel like a loner here. Lol.
 
May I throw a curve ball? If you are thinking about MK speakers you might want to visit the Epic Home Cinema demo day thread. There were quite a few people there on Sunday who either own MK or have extensively heard MK speakers inc the 300.

They all seemed to think that the XTZ speakers sounded better. Given that they cost much less than the 300 it might be worth considering.

Good luck

may i ask who it is think XTZ are better than MK S 300`s
 
Hey Allan! Hope you and your family are well mate.

I'm waiting for someone else apart from me to discuss Steinway Lyngdorf here... Not MK, not XTZ, not ABC, nothing else! Lol
 
I'm good thanks and hope your are too

the problem you may have is Steinway are not really forum type of products and I can't see any Steinway owners jumping on the forum either lol

So you may have to talk about Steinway to yourself for a little while :D

if it gets a bit lonely just give me a shout and I'll pop in and cheer you up ;)
 
Are you looking at building a dedicated room again like before or having them in the lounge this time.

I don't know the exact figures off the top of my head but by the time you've had 5/7 s15 speakers and a couple of subs plus all the electronics to get it sounding its best then I would imagine you'll be pushing £30/40k?? Please correct me if I'm miles off!

The model S system is obviously superb but I've always felt they're best suited in a modern high end apartment where the minimalistic speakers look stunning.

If you're having an acoustic screen etc again then surely a set of MK300's would get you 99% of the way there in terms of SQ. They're not quite as exclusive as the SL speakers or as nice looking but you could potentially put a system together for half the price.

If ultimately you do have the funds/chance to buy a full model S system then I can't really think of a reason not to. I can't imagine you'll get much discussion on SL speakers (bar the distributors) I'm afraid as it's a pretty exclusive club.

I guess the best thing to do is go down to Gecko HQ and have a good demo of the MK300's vs the SL model S's and then ask yourself if the price difference is worth it for you. As Steve has already pointed out the SL system will be one for life.

The only thing I will say is.....whatever system you do go for, don't forget my invite for a listen!! :D:D
 
Firstly there are several dealers who have access to Steinway systems. It is a unique product sold by specialist dealers that have been trained and are experienced with the SL products.

It is also usual for there to be only one distributor for a product.

The SL systems are sold at a fixed price. Installation etc maybe negotiable.

The MK300 system is fantastic but can't quite match the detail and finesse of the Model S.
This is down to the architecture of the SL systems,the all digital approach, RoomPerfect and complete system matching.

I am an MK die hard fan with a strong belief that an MK300 system is the next best thing to a SL Model S.

If I had the personal funds to replace my 300 system with a Model S then I would.

I agree you should go and demo both the MK300 system and the Steinway Model S.

You will find both absolutely stunning.
 
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I will probably get myself uninvited to any future Gecko open days by saying this...




... but I, personally speaking, wouldn't necessarily pick the SL stuff for home cinema if I was searching for really deep bass extension... !


I love the SL kit for music, it's the only thing that actually sounds 'real' to me, like it's live and in the room (in my limited listening experience, admittedly) but for movies... I'm just not sure that the subs dig deep enough for me!

It's hard to explain - they do do bass well enough in films, and everything blends seamlessly, but when really pushed with crash-bang-wallop stuff that digs down past 20-30Hz or so, I haven't felt like they have the headroom (and therefore control) of something like the Rives room (which is admittedly somewhat of an 'extreme' system, in the UK at least).


Please don't shoot me :( lol


It's weird, it is just difficult to get express outwardly - I think the SL stuff is amazing and literally just blends away like it's not there, meaning you can listen to the music and non-ULF elements of movies without actually listening to the speakers, if that makes sense (??) but the really intense bass in some of the films I've watched at Gecko has left me feeling like the subs were a little out of their comfort zone and were struggling slightly.

Perhaps it's just the case that MOOOOAAARRRR SUBZZZZZ!!!1! are needed, I know Rob has mentioned before that the SL main-man himself has a x.6 system in his own setup (IIRC?), so perhaps the sheer volume of the listening rooms at Gecko means that the subs are being pushed to their limits for films?


I don't know... I'm probably completely wrong in everyone else's eyes and will go back for another listen (if I'm allowed?!) and then change my mind :laugh: but for me, for films, I think I would perhaps stick to an MK mains setup with custom subs that were built specifically to produce full bandwidth bass at Reference level with ease in my particular listening space.


So, er, yeah... I'm just off to get my flame suit on... :p lol
 
The SL system has sounded fantastic on the various occasions that I have heard it and circa £35k for the complete system inc amplification is about right as Mark has already eluded to.

It has also been mentioned you can get very close for half that but that is also true with lots of things.If you have the funds and it does not mean cutting corners in other parts of your life then go for it as nothing beats the feeling that you have the very best you can afford, you only live once and all that.

Regards the XTZ Cinemas being better than MK 300's I was there on Sunday and don't remember hearing that being said although there were various groups of us moving round the various rooms and systems so who knows someone may have said it.

What I do remember hearing was that compared to the 150 range a couple of MK 150 owners did say if they were starting out fresh they would have probably gone for the XTZ Cinemas.

The 300's are an obvious middle ground between 150's/Cinemas and SL system S they are all excellent speakers and really not all that much between them in reality especially when considering their price spread.

So it's your budget and your choice whatever you get you should be well pleased, whether your significant other half or the retailer is as pleased is in your hands.:D
 
If you spend time with the Steinway systems you start to appreciate the finesse and detail these systems provide.

The Model M is in another league completely.
Very true......and the LS system is beyond compare!
 
I remember being there when the Steinway Lyngdorf LS Concerts arrived at Gecko for a loan period a couple of years ago....accompanied by Henrik one of the SL Sound Engineers, after setting them up as the front L/R of a 7.8 audio system Rob and I joined Henrik for a demonstration.....
I've never heard any other audio system play so loud and sound so controlled.
I've been lucky enough to also have been involved in assisting the set up of two other Steinway Lyngdorf systems that use the LS speakers and were again wowed by just how magnificent these system sound.....

Just need those six numbers to come up.....
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