Mason & Hamlin A174 vs Pianoteq Steinway Model D

The Experience Piano Collection wins on diverse character for its price; Pianoteq Steinway Model D demands more attention to its highly responsive nature.

The Experience Piano Collection delivers exceptional sampled quality across multiple distinct piano models at an accessible price. Its interface is minimal and uncluttered, making tone controls clear for quick adjustments. However, some nuanced playing suffers from static release samples, limiting realism.

Pianoteq Steinway Model D stands out for its physically modeled realism and unique sonic possibilities. It features intense, sustained tone due to its modeling algorithms. This modeling makes it highly responsive to input, requiring precision from the player.

Choose The Experience Piano Collection if you prioritize a collection of distinct piano characters and a straightforward workflow. Choose Pianoteq Steinway Model D if you value the unique capabilities of physical modeling and a highly reactive instrument.

Products Compared

Insights from Real-World Use

The Experience Piano Collection

  • Exceptional piano quality for the price of $299 makes The Experience Piano Collection a great deal.
  • Mic positions and settings reveal impressive, diverse piano characters.
  • Excellent sampling quality captures distinct character and tone for each piano in The Experience Piano Collection.
  • Static releases really kill those instruments. Some of the most incredible sounds I've ever heard in a piano library, and yet... Once you let go of the sustain pedal and try to play something nuanced
  • Hard to find comparable playability and realism at the $299 price point.

Pianoteq Steinway Model D

  • Pianoteq's perfect physical modeling algorithms earned a Steinway & Sons endorsement.
  • Morphing creates unique, physically impossible instruments that sound realistic due to physical modeling.
  • Pianoteq 7 is so cool, I highly recommend it.
  • Pianoteq 7 is so cool, I highly recommend it.
  • Pianoteq is an exception to my dislike of software pianos.

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