An Effortless Listening Experience - In Conversation with Syng’s Founder Christopher Stringer

Dubai Audio had the privilege of sitting down with Syng Founder, Chris Stringer to dive into a conversation and unleash the vision behind Syng. Tackling the 12-hour time difference between California and Dubai, Stringer joined us in a live video meeting that was filled with surprising twists and interesting moments. From the onset, it was evident that Stringer's approach was anything but conventional. As the conversation unfolded, it became clear that this was not going to be an ordinary discussion but rather one in which Stringer shared a vision that left no questions unanswered.

Syng Triptonich Audio Technology

Stringer is a renowned industrial designer. Over his 22-year tenure at Apple, he played a pivotal role in designing iconic products such as the PowerBook, iMac, iPod, iPhone, iPad, MacBook, Apple Watch, Apple Pencil, HomePod, and USB-C. In 2018, he founded the audio brand Syng, where he currently serves as the Founder and Chief Design Officer.

Syng revolutionizes our relationship with sound with its flagship speaker, Cell Alpha, and the groundbreaking Triphonic audio technology. Being at the forefront of spatial audio innovation, the Syng system dynamically adapts to any room ensuring bespoke, immersive sound experiences. Cell Alpha's unique design transforms spaces into balanced auditory journeys, seamlessly transitioning between music and movies with precision and depth. 

"For the last 100 years, we've had to sit in the right place. If we move, we compromise the sound. But the way we spatialize, you cannot be in the wrong place."

The very first Syng Concept Sketches

Noticing early on the unique proposition that Syng represents in the audio market and beyond, Dubai Audio was delighted to become the exclusive distributor of the brand in the Middle East soon after its launch. Owning a Syng system is an experience incomparable to any of the other systems out there. There is no other brand that is better capable of adapting to such a wide range of personal preferences and dimensions than Syng. This is why we usually start our customers' audio journey with Syng in our Dubai Hills Boutique, to showcase a completely new world of audio experiences, in which the system seamlessly adapts and evolves with you and your space.

THE CONVERSATION

The following is a compilation of the most inspiring, unusual, and thought-provoking ideas Stringer put out throughout our 1-hour conversation to reveal the powerful system that is Syng. 

“I often remind people that music [has been around for] over 200,000 years and it was spatial until we first recorded it over 100 years ago. When we recorded it, we made it flat. And it's not until this thing on my shoulder showed up [referring to the Cell Alpha system] that music does become spatial, more real again because you don't have to sit in the right place. [...] I definitely urge you to make people aware of the nature of flexibility of listening. That sound comes to you and sound comes to you with full theatrical effect.” 

Industry-Recognized Proof of Hardware and Software Harmony

Stringer challenges the status quo, offering a fresh perspective on how we perceive and interact with sound. Gone are the days of being tethered to a specific listening position; with Syng, the sound envelops you, regardless of your location. 

“What I’m interested in is working with fantastic audio engineers. I spent 22 years at Apple working on many product intros, making miracles happen with engineers. Some of which, like iPod, have rewritten the playbook. So, how do we do business now, how do we build an iconic device, how do we really draw attention to pride of ownership and high-value products.”

Drawing from his experience at Apple, Stringer emphasizes the importance of seamless integration of hardware and software, but this is not the only takeaway that he adopted from his experience working alongside Steve Jobs.

“You find inspiration in what you’re obsessed about. At Apple, do you think we ever looked at other people’s phones when we designed phones? F*** no. I didn’t touch an Android phone. If you touch it, if you look at it, you will follow it.” 

Syng takes pride in being the most flexible audio system in the world. Creating an entirely new object-based sonic architecture, the Syng Cell Alpha is completed with the Syng Space app which allows full customization of the listening experience right at your fingertips. You can play any format of recorded sound and seamlessly transition from music to a home theater setup within seconds.

The Syng Space App

“It’s iTunes that really makes that a complete set of objects and services [at Apple]. [At Syng], It is the technology, the software, that creates the cooperative system for speakers such that they can create a seamless field of sound from any number of speakers and any arrangement that we play.” 

In a landscape dominated by channel-based audio systems, Syng stands out as a revolutionary concept. Working closely with A-list producers and artists, Stringer is simplifying and making accessible high-quality audio experiences both for creators and listeners.

"I'm proud of the fact that it is the artists who are appreciating Syng. If you satisfy the artists, you definitely will satisfy listeners.” 

Stringer’s human-centric vision for the future of audio is promising to transform how we listen to music, watch movies, and engage with media. 

“I look at the Cell [Alpha] and think about it more as an instrument. As a customer, you should just be hearing and playing with the sound.”

Play the full video compilation of this exclusive conversation with Founder Chris Stringer below:

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