But ya know having to choose is a good place to be. :-). Let me be there.
That is why most top end recording studios have Steinways (or Yamahas). The soft European sound is nice for your living room but it doesn't record well. Steinway is a bit harsh in the middle registers but that it what makes it record so well. In a small room setting it can be a bit grating. If I wanted to just have a piano for casual playing, I think I might prefer the European sound. Kawaii is built on a European stringing scale. It has a softer and more bell like quality. Yamaha uses a similar scale to Steinway.