Music boxes are so nice because they play such nice music from a very simple mechanism. In this case the music is still nice but the Digital Enhancement player uses a much more complex method to get the music out.

Via: Make and Laughing Squid

 ”Digital Enhancement” is an interactive sound installation consisting of an electrified Symphonion Brevet No. 28, a synthesizer, an amplifier and four headphones. The Symphonion musical box dates back to the beginning of the last century and its mechanical workings are combined with digital technology to convert it into a MIDI sequencer. The original music, embossed on steel plates, can be played on the synthesizer, which is programmed to mimic the sounds of the Symphonion. In order to operate the sequencer, a hand-cranked dynamo serves as a remote control.”