On the subject of participant piano techniques – particularly on the higher-end the place there are actually solely two decisions – Yamaha’s Disklavier Enspire Professional (additionally accessible on Bösendorfer Pianos) and Steinway’s Spirio system (solely accessible on choose Steinway pianos), piano buyers usually really feel a bit confused. Each of those techniques are manufacturing facility put in by skilled technicians; each supply high-resolution MIDI sensors; and each declare to supply probably the most genuine illustration of a dwelling, respiratory piano efficiency. …however they’re vastly totally different in worth. That leaves many asking us “What’s the distinction and the way do they examine?” Properly, should you’re contemplating a premium participant piano, you’ll discover all of the solutions you want right here in our in-depth comparability.
A Temporary Historical past of The Participant Piano
During the last a number of a long time, participant pianos have developed vastly from the unique paper rolls to cassette tape gamers to floppy discs and CDs to in the present day’s wi-fi streaming know-how. They’ve come a good distance! Initially, they have been considered primarily as instruments to entertain. Then, because the radio, tv and the web got here alongside, the trendy participant piano took on new significance as an schooling software – usually present in establishments of upper studying. That is how Yamaha entered the participant piano house in 1982 – once they launched the primary ever Disklavier (pronounced “disk-luh-veer”) participant piano system. Designed to assist music academics each in personal studios and in school rooms around the globe, Yamaha constructed Disklavier techniques into a wide range of Yamaha pianos, together with some premium fashions. At this time, Yamaha is one in all two producers who select to put in participant piano techniques into their pianos on the manufacturing facility. Who’s the opposite? Properly, I’m glad you requested.
Steinway presents the Spiro Play and Spirio | r techniques on Steinway piano fashions M, B and D. The know-how elements add wherever from $29,000 to $48,000 to the Steinway piano’s worth.
The Steinway Spirio Participant Piano System
For years, Steinway rejected the concept of constructing any technology-infused devices. Actually, even putting in “fashionable” options like a slow-close fallboard rubbed them the fallacious means. …so it was a shock when Steinway introduced in March of 2015 that that they had lastly bought a third-party participant piano system of their very own (the “Dwell Efficiency LX” System) and could be putting in this new system (now referred to as “Spirio”) into choose Steinway fashions on the Steinway manufacturing facility. The brand new system could be “playback solely” (that means that it didn’t supply file or silent options just like the Disklavier system) and it will solely be accessible on two fashions of Steinway pianos. In contrast to different retrofit techniques, nevertheless, Steinway would set up Spirio into Steinway pianos on the manufacturing facility. Although this required Steinway to desert its “Accelerated Motion” patent (a function Steinway marketed vigorously as a significant element of “The Steinway Distinction”), it will permit Steinway to regulate how their pianos have been modified for the know-how and create some actual competitors for Disklavier.
4 years later, Steinway launched the Spirio | r fashions – which added a file function to their “playback solely” system. At this time, Spirio | r Steinway pianos can be found in three sizes – the Mannequin M (5’7”), the Mannequin B (6’11”) and the Mannequin D (9’). One may surmise that this swap to technology-infused pianos saved Steinway & Sons since they now attribute over 50% of their annual gross sales to Spirio Steinway pianos.
The Most interesting Excessive Decision Participant Piano System
Let’s examine Yamaha’s Disklavier system (additionally accessible on Bosendorfer pianos) and Steinway’s Spirio system. Which is the best excessive decision participant system on this planet?
A part of the problem in evaluating Yamaha and Steinway participant pianos comes from the truth that they make totally different fashions. Disklavier’s newest ENSPIRE system is accessible in three fashions: The Traditional (a “playback solely” system accessible solely on the Yamaha GB1K), the Customary (a “normal decision” system with playback, file, and silent options accessible on the C2X and decrease), and the Professional (a “excessive decision” system with playback, file and silent options accessible on the C3X and better – together with Bosendorfer pianos). Spirio presents two fashions – the Spirio (a “playback solely” system accessible on Steinway fashions M, B and D) and the Spirio | r (a “excessive decision playback and file” system additionally accessible on Steinway fashions M, B and D). Actually, each manufacturers market these totally different fashions to totally different purchasers primarily based on want and price range, however – for simplicity’s sake – we’re going to give attention to the 2 flagship fashions: The Disklavier Professional and the Spirio | r – each of which have been referred to as the “highest decision participant piano system on this planet.” …however how do they actually examine?
Let’s break each techniques down and study their capabilities:
Playback Comparability
Everyone knows that the primary perform of a participant piano is its self-play functionality, and we hope it does that as authentically as attainable – replicating the musicianship and artistry of the performer to the best degree. To this finish, Steinway’s Spirio system is designed to ship 1020 dynamic ranges per key at 800 samples per second. …and, whereas this definitely outperforms most “add on” techniques, it doesn’t examine effectively with Disklavier, which presents 1024 dynamic ranges at 1000 samples per second. Each pianos supply 256 ranges of pedaling. To be truthful, these numbers are pretty related and – if these have been the solely variations in playback – It may be laborious to inform them aside in blind checks. These aren’t the one variations, nevertheless.
Evaluating Sensors
Steinway’s Spirio system is simply designed to sense hammer motion. It doesn’t have key sensors in any respect. This implies, it will probably solely sense when the piano’s hammers come into contact with the strings. Pianists have particular methods for urgent and releasing pianos keys. When a performer releases the important thing slowly, it causes the dampers to launch slowly, thus mixing in distinctive “overtones” and shade to the piano’s sound. When a performer releases the important thing rapidly, the piano’s dampers additionally launch rapidly – stopping that further little bit of tonal shade. Superior gamers (particularly within the Classical Music style) use this method so as to add selection to their performances. With out key sensors, nevertheless, Spirio can’t seize or reproduce this tonal selection. Spirio additionally can’t play again “ghost notes” (ie – key actions that don’t deliver the hammer into contact with the strings). This limits the delicate authenticity of a Spirio efficiency. In distinction, the Disklavier Professional system has each hammer and key sensors, so it will probably faithfully reproduce each delicate piece of the performer’s method.
Pianos change with adjustments in temperature and humidity. Spirio has no sensor system to detect these adjustments and no self-calibration system to compensate for them. Spirio homeowners are inspired to have their participant piano techniques calibrated 4 instances per 12 months… at their expense.
Evaluating Upkeep Wants
Lastly, to take care of Spirio’s “excessive decision” efficiency, Steinway recommends having the system calibrated by an expert technician 4 instances a 12 months (along with tuning and on the proprietor’s expense). Failure to take action will trigger the system to lose constancy over time because the piano reacts to adjustments in temperature and humidity. Disklavier, nevertheless, is fitted with a self-calibration system that feeds information from the keys, hammers, pedals and key drive techniques into Yamaha’s “AccuPlay” suggestions system. AccuPlay then adjusts the torque for any given key or pedal to make sure that it’s enjoying again exactly as meant. What does this all imply? Properly, let’s say your piano has a sluggish key. Disklavier will compensate for that and regulate playback to match. Spirio can’t sense the issue – nor regulate for it – so the one time it will probably playback as meant is when the piano is completely maintained. Additionally, participant solenoids (the units that transfer the keys up and down) heat up if performed for lengthy durations of time. The Disklavier system is designed to sense this phenomenon and compensate for it. The Spirio system can’t sense or compensate for it so it will probably lose constancy if performed for lengthy durations of time.
All issues thought-about, Disklavier delivers a extra genuine efficiency when each techniques are at their greatest, but it surely massively outperforms Spirio in long-play performances and in conditions the place the Spirio piano and/or system haven’t been not too long ago maintained. Disklavier additionally presents a considerably bigger music library (round 5 instances the dimensions) with many unique “A-Listing” artist performances. Disklavier may play normal MIDI recordsdata. Spirio’s library is pretty small was largely recorded by unknown pianists. Spirio | r can’t play normal MIDI recordsdata.
Function Comparability
A lot of fashionable participant piano techniques supply further options past the usual “self play” choice. Right here’s a have a look at a few of the hottest further options and the way the 2 premium producers examine:
Disklavier homeowners can management their pianos with an iPad app similar to Spirio. In contrast to Spirio, nevertheless, they will additionally use an Android machine, networked PC/MAC, USB flash drive, WIFI or Bluetooth APPs and extra.
Content material Playback
Disklavier homeowners can play music from the system’s onboard reminiscence, from USB reminiscence, from WIFI streaming companies, through Bluetooth MIDI streaming, from any networked PC/MAC, from an Android or iOS machine or from a third-party media participant. Spirio | r homeowners can solely play music from an iPad.
Background Devices, Vocals
Disklavier presents each AUDIO and MIDI ensemble performances on all fashions. This synchronizes the piano’s efficiency with different instrument sounds and even vocals for a really “stay” efficiency expertise in each style. Spirio | r is a “piano solely” system. It doesn’t supply MIDI or AUDIO ensemble playback – that means all you get to listen to is the piano sound.
Recording
Initially designed as a educating software, Yamaha added recording capabilities to the Disklavier system early in its growth. For over 30 years, all fashions of Disklavier (apart from the Traditional) supply recording as an ordinary function. Disklavier additionally presents 4 file modes: Customary recording, Left and Proper SOLO file (file one hand at a time and mute both hand throughout playback), AUDIO file (file your efficiency with vocals and background devices), and Video Document (make music movies that the piano will play with throughout playback). Steinway solely presents normal recording on their Spirio | r system.
Watch LIVE and on-demand concert events in your personal lounge with Disklavier TV.
Streaming Companies
Along with the usual self-play function, Disklavier presents different options akin to Disklavier Radio (a streaming radio service with 50+ channels), Disklavier on Demand (a cloud-based subscription service with tens of hundreds of accessible songs) and Disklavier TV (a streaming video service that syncs with the piano for stay A-list performances in your house). Think about having fun with stay performances by Elton John, The Piano Guys, Sarah McLaughlin, and a bunch of different A-list musicians from all musical genres, together with jazz, classical, pop and extra. These options are bundled collectively in Yamaha’s non-compulsory “Distant Dwell” subscription service for round $17 per 30 days. Steinway doesn’t but supply any subscription companies for Spirio, although it does have a small “on demand” library of streaming “piano solely” video recordsdata.
Silent Observe
On each the Customary and PRO techniques, Disklavier presents a Silent Observe function. Plug in a set of headphones and play anytime you need. The Silent system engages a cease rail to stop the hammers from hitting the strings – so your follow really is silent. Every little thing – from backing tracks to coaching movies – goes via the headphones. Additionally – to compensate for the cease rail, the Disklavier’s motion adjusts when Silent Mode is activated so the piano feels precisely the identical in both mode. Steinway doesn’t supply this function on any of its Spirio fashions.
Because of its servo solenoids, Disklavier keys can “cease” wherever from the highest to the underside of their key journey. Different participant techniques solely supply “up” or “down” stopping factors. This allows Disklavier’s Good Key function and key animations like this one.
Good Key
As a result of Disklavier makes use of servo solenoids to maneuver its keys up and down (that means they will “cease” at any level from utterly depressed to utterly launched), Disklavier techniques supply a function referred to as “Good Key.” This function teaches hobbyists to play primary songs by “wiggling” a key. As soon as that secret is performed, the system “wiggles” the following key and so forth. The piano comes with quite a few “Good Key” songs built-in and Disklavier homeowners can buy extra from Yamaha. Spirio doesn’t use servo solenoids so it can’t supply the same function.
Studying Options
Disklavier comes with 500 songs pre-loaded, together with “Lesson Songs” (teams of workout routines designed to assist develop musical expertise) and the “50 Nice Classical Songs” (the piano e-book can also be included with the system). Disklavier homeowners can play together with the recordings, decelerate the tempo, transpose to a special key, and even play with one hand or the opposite whereas the piano performs the opposite hand. None of those options can be found on the Spirio | r system.
Third Get together Apps
Disklavier can work together with the entire newest studying software program, together with Faber Piano Adventures Participant, Piano Marvel, Piano Maestro and extra. Join with a USB cable or with wi-fi Bluetooth MIDI (utilizing the non-compulsory MD-BT01 Bluetooth adapter) and use the Disklavier as a strong educating software. Disklavier homeowners may make music movies with My Music Jukebox and watch the piano play with the video. Because the market develops new third-party apps, Disklavier ENSPIRE customers can add much more performance to their pianos. Spirio | r doesn’t supply any interactivity with third-party music apps.
Steinway doesn’t supply a participant system on an upright piano, however Yamaha presents the DU1 and the YUS. Each include Customary Disklavier ENSPIRE techniques.
Guarantee
Disklavier presents a 10-year guarantee on their acoustic piano elements and a 5-year digital guarantee. Steinway presents a 5-year guarantee on each the acoustic piano elements and the Spirio | r electronics.
Availability and Pricing:
The Steinway & Sons Spirio system is simply provided on three fashions; Mannequin M (5’7”), Mannequin B (7’), and Mannequin D (9’). The “play solely” model (now referred to as “Spirio Play”) provides about $29,000 to the acoustic piano’s worth. This implies Spirio techniques begin at just below $125,000. Spirio | r techniques add about $48,000 to the acoustic piano’s worth – that means that Spirio | r pianos begin at over $143,000.
Yamaha presents Disklavier techniques on almost 20 Yamaha pianos and a lot of Bosendorfer pianos as effectively. The ENSPIRE Traditional system (solely on the GB1K) provides about $9500 to the acoustic piano’s worth – that means this method begins just below $25,000. The Customary system provides wherever from $14,000 to $17,000 to the acoustic piano’s worth (relying on piano mannequin) – that means this method retails from simply over $30,000 on up. The PRO system provides from $24,000 to $50,000 (relying on piano mannequin) to the acoustic piano’s worth – that means Disklavier PRO techniques retail from $85,000 on up.
Even after we simply examine the Disklavier PRO to Spirio | r, it’s clear that the Spirio system is way dearer (on most piano fashions) with far fewer choices.
One other essential level to debate right here is resale. Do you have to resolve to promote your Disklavier, the brand new proprietor would be capable of benefit from all its options (each digital and acoustic). In fact, the brand new proprietor may create their very own MusicSoft account with Yamaha to allow them to purchase new music and obtain it to their piano, however the entire digital capabilities work even when they don’t. With Spiro and Spirio | r, nevertheless, this isn’t the case. When you resolve to promote your Spirio, you both have to incorporate the iPad with it (ensure you take away your bank card info out of your account first) and provides the brand new proprietor entry to your Spirio ID or the brand new proprietor must contact Steinway and pay $10,000 to entry the digital options of the Spirio piano. Steinway is not going to give away Spirio IDs to second-hand homeowners. It might seem that Steinway is mimicking Tesla in an effort to stop homeowners from promoting their merchandise on the used market. Will this backfire on Steinway sooner or later? Time will inform. It’s laborious to think about buying a participant piano from a third-party after which having to pay one other $10,000 to make it work!
Join a set of headphones to any Customary or Professional Disklavier and follow privately. The sound and contact mechanically regulate to compensate for silent mode.
Conclusion
For the final a number of years, Steinway sellers have been purporting the Spirio | r system as probably the most genuine “re-performance” participant system in the marketplace. This simply isn’t true. Disklavier outperforms Spirio at each flip – particularly in “troublesome” efficiency situations (ie – heavy use or use with out skilled re-calibration). The Disklavier library is way bigger and extra various. Yamaha presents premium streaming companies that Steinway doesn’t and the Disklavier techniques themselves supply numerous options that Spirio doesn’t.
Steinway sellers additionally wish to market Spirio as being easy to make use of – and that is true. Nonetheless, Disklavier can also be easy to make use of – and it’s expandable to go well with a household’s (or establishment’s) altering wants over time.
Particularly when you think about the associated fee for many participant piano homeowners, we predict the Disklavier ENSPIRE system is a transparent winner – offering far better worth and reliability than its New York competitors. For an much more detailed comparability between these two techniques, contact us or cease by one in all our Phoenix-area piano shops. We’re keen to indicate you why Disklavier (not Spirio) is the “Most interesting Excessive Decision Participant Piano System” on this planet.
