Steinway Lyngdorf has introduced the second generation of its compact floorstanding speaker model Model C , which received the MK II suffix in its name. The first generation of Model C speakers was introduced back in 2008. The model is a direct descendant of the first speaker system from Steinway Lyngdorf – the iconic Model D, and inherited some of the technologies specially developed for the flagship model, but in a much more compact case.
The second generation of the Steinway Lyngdorf Model C MK II loudspeakers features an even more elegant and lightweight design with black strings on the back of the speaker. This design replaces the previous amplifier and crossover, which are now part of the external digital amplifiers and processor.
The sound characteristics of the Steinway Lyngdorf Model C MK II have also been improved. The crossover and distribution of zones of responsibility between all speakers are now completely given to an external digital processor. The new product is made in the open dipole concept. This avoids air compression and sound coloration inherent in conventional cabinet speakers. The high-frequency spectrum is given to the Air Motion Transformer ribbon tweeter, and a pair of precision speakers with magnesium alloy diffusers are responsible for the mid-frequency range. The open acoustic design is similar to a grand piano with an open top deck: the bronze-gold lacquered frame and parts of the audio circuit are visible from the back of the speaker.
Although the Steinway Lyngdorf Model C MK II is a floorstanding speaker, it only contains tweeters and midrange drivers. The low-frequency drivers are housed in separate units that look like subwoofers. The new product is equipped with Steinway Lyngdorf’s RoomPerfect room calibration system, so each speaker can be individually adjusted to provide the best sound in your room.
The absence of low-frequency woofers in the speakers allows for a stylish, slim design with greater flexibility in room placement. The accompanying low-frequency modules are separately amplified and placed in the corners of the listening room. To work with the Steinway Lyngdorf Model C MK II speakers, you can choose from a variety of low-frequency modules from Steinway & Sons, depending on the size of the room, the interior design and the desired sound characteristics.
Steinway Lyngdorf Model C MK II loudspeakers are handcrafted and finished at the company’s factory in Skive, Denmark. The black lacquer and gold plated parts are made to the same quality standards as the famous Steinway & Sons grand pianos, giving the speakers a unique appearance. The company is ready to make a lacquer finish in a wide range of colors upon request.
Like all Steinway Lyngdorf speakers, the Model C MK II is part of the company’s Total Systems approach, which requires components to be matched within a closed system. This essentially eliminates the need to experiment with components, as the company has designed everything to work together perfectly, and to be interchangeable when the need for upgrades arises. However, this also means that you can’t simply replace a Steinway Lyngdorf speaker with a model from another manufacturer – it’s essentially all (Steinway) or nothing.
The Steinway Lyngdorf Model C MK II loudspeakers are now on sale in the UK with a recommended retail price of £31,500 each. The price of the entire system depends on the choice of processor, amplifiers and subwoofer models. For example, when combined with Model S-210 subwoofers (£5,750 each), A1 and A2 amplifiers (£6,375 and £8,950 respectively) and the SP-1 stereo processor (£5,250), the total cost of a complete Steinway Lyngdorf Model C stereo system is around £90,000.
