"Rediscovery of a vintage sonority" Which sound do YOU prefer? (featuring Steingraeber piano!)

Does the Sordino interpose a layer of felt between the hammers and strings? Is the felt always in contact with the string, dampening it; or does it just soften the blow of the hammer?

Is the Sordino similar to what would have been called a “moderator” on pianofortes?

To me, both sound beautiful, of course. But I definitely prefer the non-sordino. When the sound is muted, it feels like i'm at a concert, but not allowed to enter the actual hall, and have to stay out-side listening through a gap in the door. Having said that, I think I would probably get used to it, and possibly wouldn't have had the same response if i'd not heard the two back to back. I wonder what Beethoven's failing ears heard, even more muted perhaps? Although his music was probably still vibrant in the "ear" of his mind. Wonderful to have this opportunity to listen to such an incredible piano. Thank you Dominic! 

I think both are beautiful, but have different qualities to them. If I had to pick one, I would probably choose the one played with the Sordino System activated. The modern instrument-sound has clarity and warmth and the sound is *present.* When the excerpt was played with the Sordino System activated, though, a quality of mysteriousness surprised me and seemed to fit the music better. The sound was much more colorful, and almost bubbly! It's almost as if the instrument in the first excerpt says, "here is the music, listen to me," while the second excerpt was more intimate and inviting, saying, "don't forget about all these colors and layers, listen more closely."