I've owned the ES920 for a while now, I bought it based on many of your previous videos and it's been an absolute pleasure to own. I'm no expert and I got no fancy words to say, so I'm not even going to pretend, but yeah, loving the piano, thank you kindly.
As an ES920 owner for 4 years now, having gigged, played and taught piano on it I'm very pleased with my purchase and can't recommend it enough for fellow musicians. That being said I haven't tested the newest Yamaha - I'd trust Stu's impressions any time :)
I bought my ES920 a few months ago and couldn't be happier. I also own a 9' concert grand piano and I can say the ES920 does a very good job at simulating not only the sound but also the feel of the concert grand, making it the perfect practice instrument when I can't play on my acoustic piano. I have recently tried the Yamaha P-525 and found the action to be too light. Its predecessor, the P-515, had the opposite problem and felt too heavy. The Kawai ES920 is just right! In my opinion, to find a digital piano that does a better job at replicating the feel of a 9' concert grand I would have to move up to a NV10S, but that will be for another day!
We are so happy to hear that you are loving your ES920! It is an incredible instrument with one of the best cost-to-value ratios on the market as far as I'm concerned. I agree with your comments about how well it renders the tonal nuances of a 9' concert grand and how the action feels "just right" (at least for many players). It does come down to subjectivity of course. We have had customers feel that the ES920 is too light for their musical needs and preferences. Thanks so much for tuning in and happy playing! :)
@@actie-reactie No, but I heard very good things about its action, because it is mechanically more similar to the action of an acoustic grand. But it is more expensive than the ES920 of course.
Thanks again Stu. I detect a bit more character in the Kawaii and the Yamaha has a bit of that spikey digital tone in the mid-upper register. Otherwise they are both lovely instruments. PS, thanks again for your RD88 review some time back, I bought it and fell in love with the action (not the menus..ha!). I honestly look forward to placing my hands on it every day and improvising or creating, it really is perfect.
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for tuning in and sharing your thoughts! Congrats on your RD88! They're fantastic machines. We're happy to hear that Stu's videos were helpful through your decision making process. :)
Well, based on this review/comparison I made my way to your Oakville shop to try the ES920. To say I was disappointed would be an understatement. I was especially underwhelmed by the auto accompaniment. The good news is there was P 525 available so I snapped it up. Honestly, for me there was no comparison but perhaps having played Yamahas exclusively for over 25 years has robbed me of any impartiality. Your video, however, was convincing enough to make me come in and give it a fair shake.
That is totally fair! Tone and touch preferences are very subjective of course. Every player will resonate with a different musical experience. I'm happy to hear that you were able to secure the P525. Thanks so much and happy playing!
Thanks for this review and for pointing out the differences between those two instruments. I really appreciate Stu's reviews and his playing and I have seen a lot of his reviews over and over again. Today I went to the store to hear and play the Yamaha P525, the Kawai ES920 and the Roland FP90X. Nothing can beat testing those instruments in person. On youtube, even with high quality headphones it's very difficult to judge, whereas in the shop it's so much easier to find your own personal preferences. And the choice of a digital piano is a very personal choice. Most pianists have different priorities and so have I. In the Netherlands the Kawai ES920 is a cheaper than the Yamaha P525, but this was not my biggest consideration. From the three mentioned piano's I preferred the Yamaha P525. The key's felt best under my fingers and I love the sound of the CFX. I don't need all the different Kawai samples and actually I found them sounding less than the Yamaha. I do own a Kawai CA 701 with the same samples (and the competition), but I like them better on the Kawai CA 701 as on the ES920. From the three mentioned piano's I played today, the Roland FP90X fell off first, because I didn't like the modelled sound of it. Both the Yamaha and the Kawai sounded better. Between those two I preferred the Yamaha because of the wooden keys and the feel of it and additional the usb audio. I think all new digital piano's in this price range should have usb midi and audio. So I went for the Yamaha. But I completely understand that people may make different choices depending upon their personal preferences. My advise would be, watch the video's from Stu, prepare your knowledge and go to a store to decide yourself.
You're welcome! Thank you for tuning in and sharing your thoughts! We appreciate it. :) It all comes down to personal musical preference and subjectivity of course. And I agree with your sentiments that it is always handy to test out the pianos in person whenever possible. I'm happy to hear that you've found some instruments that you connect with in the CA701 and P525.
It really is an impressive piano! And I certainly agree with your sentiment about the remarkable consistency between the line out, headphone, and onboard speaker sound. :)
The magic you’re hearing in the ES 920 sound is a lot of bass enhancement and shimmery reverb post production to the sample. These adjustments can be done manually to achieve a similar sound.
I've played the Kawai ES920 and I find it's action to be really crisp for an all-plastic-component action. In fact, I played the ES920 side by side the Kawai K-15 (which is Kawai's cheapest upright piano), and I have to say that ES920 gave me a much better playing experience than the K-15 which, while being a real piano, didn't impress me at all. Kawai probably tried too cut the costs when it designed ES920, but this is still a solid premium-level keyboard.
What do you mean by saying that the action of ES920 was better than the action of acoustic upright piano? Was it closer in its feel to a grand piano or that it was easier for you to play? I only judge digital piano action by how close that are to acoustic piano actions. Thank you, Michael
It all comes down to a matter of subjectivity and personal preference of course, but I can understand where you are coming from. Sonically, the ES920 is giving you the tonal character of a 9' concert grand opposed to a console upright. It is ultimately a topic that every player will have a different opinion on. But, that is what keeps things exciting! :)
@@mfurmana Ihre Frage hat mich grundsätzlich nachdenklich gemacht. Auch über meine Kriterien unabhänig der ihriergen. Es gibt ja den Spruch" Äpfel nicht mit Birnen zu vergleichen". Nur gibt es heute schon Kreuzungen davon. Vergleiche ich eine kreuzung mit einem Apfel oder mit einer Birne. Nur weil es das Aussehen eines Apfels kann es schmecken wie eine Birne und umgekehrt. Ist die Tastatur dann falsch oder falsch der Klang? wenn der Klang falsch ist und die tastatue richtig ist dann ein richtiges oder ein falsches klavier? denn der Anschlag für Flügel wäre ja falsch weil es ein anderer ist. und trotzdem könnte der Klang eunes Flügels drauf erzeugt werden. Aber wiederum gibt es Möglichkeiten beides zu verändern. mal zum klavier mal zum Flügel. Und doch wird immer zu merken sein oder nur fühlen.. Ein echtes Klavier ein echter Flügel das wäre auch meine Frage zum echten immer zu unterscheiden. Aber die Gewichtung muss der vornehmen der spielen wird.
I really wish Kawai would update the ES920. It was released 4 years again. Roland and Yamaha seem to have a better release cycle and makes worthwhile incremental improvements.
While I understand the sentiment because of how awesome the ES920 is, the ES920 still holds up as one of the best all-in portable digital pianos in 2024 in my opinion.
We have at home Kawai CA901 and ES920, both are fantastic instruments, but when I first heard the ES920 I was shocked how great sounds this little piano.
This is a great channel, and you are an amazing artist. I’m just completing my 1st year with a professional teacher and will probably replace my very basic Yamaha digital. Your assessments are really helping my search!
(In Spanish from Spain) Habitualmente nos mostráis las muestras de sonido con direct line-out. No se si todos los demás usan un amplificador y altavoces externos. Pero a mí me gustaría más oír las demostraciones a través de los altavoces integrados, de forma que la voz de Stu me sirva de referencia, y adicionalmente en la forma en que suena por los auriculares. ¿Os he agradecido otras veces el esfuerzo que hacéis en mostrarnos los pianos? Es siempre un gran placer encontrar un nuevo video con Stu explicándonos cosas y demostrándonos como suenan. Muchísimas gracias a todo Merriam Pianos.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for the kind words and support! We sincerely appreciate it. With some reviews, we do feature the onboard speaker sound. This is typically indicated in the video when we showcase that aspect of the piano. With that said, the issue with capturing the onboard speaker sound is that there are so many variables that can affect how it is captured and presented. The room that you're recording in as well as the type of microphones being used and their placement can all have a drastic impact on the sound. From this perspective, some shoppers may hear a sound that is very different from that which they will experience once they bring the instrument home or hear it in another showroom. :)
I recently purchased the Yamaha. I do like the piano sound on the Kawai and that came in a close second. The only issue is I heard a review that said the Kawai produced a vibration sound due to the speaker resonating through the cabinetry. So that is pretty much why I went with the Yamaha.
Congrats on your P525! These are both excellent instruments of course, so it all comes down to personal preference. That was an issue with early batches of the ES920, but it has since been resolved and we have not seen that issue coming up on warranty claim. Thanks again and happy playing! :)
Believe it or not, i actually just returned my P525 for that very reason… it happened on the one i demo’d in the store, and i thought maybe it was just that one, i purchased a p525 on amazon brand new and the same exact problem…
If I were to purchase an es920 now, how would I be able to tell whether I was getting an ‘early batch’ with the warranty issue or the later batch? It’s hard to know whether a particular store has been holding on to an old version it wants to get rid of, or ether it’s a newer version, considering it’s still got the same name. It’s not called es920s or anything different. ??
Both Pianos sound amazing as expected and with your eyes closed you could imagine sitting in front of a Concert Grand. As always amazing playing Stu. As a Yamaha fan and owning a P515 and CK88, I love their products, but I think the sound f the Kawai was amazing
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for tuning in! They are definitely both very solid instruments. With that said, I do agree with the sentiment regarding the ES920's tone. It is very impressive and authentic sounding! :)
Very interesting comparison. Can I put in a plea for a review devoted solely to the P525? And could this be of comparable length to the P515 review? Many thanks as ever.
The Yamaha CFX treble is very "pingy" and unpleasant IMO. The Kawai SK is much more rounded. Though I assume this is highly accurate to both acoustic pianos. The (widely reported) improved action on the 525 would have been worthy of testing if I hadn't already a got digital piano last year, but in tone there's no comparison.
This was one of the videos that convinced me to try the Kawai ES920 because I liked the warmth of its sound. However, when I tried it in person, I was actually really put off by the action. I just couldn't play pianissimo consistently. It very much feels like a two step keypress when playing slowly/softly and I found that very distracting and hard to handle; I can't play Clair de Lune on the Kawai ES920. The escapement point was so over the top and overly tactile to me that the sound either came out too loud, in an effort to get past the tactility, or not at all, because the escapement point swallowed it. By pure coincidence, I passed by another store that had a Yamaha P-525 and it was love at first keypress. The action is a bit lighter and the escapement was a lot more subtle and smooth. When it comes to the sound, I also realized that, in person, I actually prefer Yamaha's clarity. Both the headphone sound and the speaker sound were excellent. It felt like I finally found a piano that lets me play the way I want to play and so far, no other keyboard I've tried has even come close to inspiring me as much as the P-525. To me personally, this comparison isn't even a contest.
These are both very solid pianos from two excellent manufacturers. At the end of the day, the decision between these two powerhouse portable digital pianos comes down to the player's musical preferences. We're happy to hear that the P525 satisfied your musical needs and tastes. :)
I played both of these recently and they’re both great. The Kawai keybed is the best you’ll find on a digital piano and the Yamaha is the same keybed as their clavinova’s and so is also excellent and hard wearing. When it came to the sounds they’re once again both great. My favourite is the Kawai’s Concert Grand sample not only for sound but for feeling truly connected to the sound through the keys, it’s the best I’ve experienced outside of the Nord Stage and Grand which are 3x the price and then some. For EP’s the Yamaha is better but there’s not a lot in it tbh. The Kawai has more oomph in the lower registers to my ears making low notes sound lovely and rich. Whereas the sound generally from the Yamaha is brighter and somehow more modern sounding, whether that’s a good thing is a matter of personal taste. Ultimately they are both beasts and I’d be happy with either one.
Not sure if you would be able to upload it to the Yamaha but on my montage there is an S600 Grand Piano sample that is beautiful, definitely as good as the Kawai SK-EX. It’s the only piano I ever use from that board
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! There are no doubts that these are both very solid instruments that offer a fantastic piano experience. I do agree with you in terms of touch/tone though. I would give an edge to the Kawai. The RHIII action and SKEX Concert Grand sample combination is fantastic! :)
The CFX sounds singular. It sounds emotional in a feeling of strings resonating and, yeah, it sounds stringy. The SK-EX is more rounded and sounds effortless so it's less emotional to my sensibilities and quite pretty. The Yamaha isn't so pretty but is somewhat vulnerable and still tinged like a subtle perfume in a way. I guess the Bosendorfer has a different character but I don't think that it sounds like an Imperial, the vastness and power of it isn't quite captured.
It is certainly a very nuanced conversation. The relationship between tone and expressivity is quite an elaborate equation that is a little different for every player. At the end of the day, the important thing is to find instruments that you fully connect with emotionally. :)
Thank you! The ES920 is an excellent piano. If you found the Yamaha keys to be on the heavy side, I think the ES920 is a wonderful choice. It is a very authentic feeling touch.
Many have commented on how 'light' the 525 action is. I own a 515, play mainly classical, and find the action good for keeping up finger strength when transitioning to an acoustic. I'm worried about losing that if I upgrade to the 525. Obviously I need to try it, but can you comment on that 'lightness' of the 525? You say it compares to an acoustic grand - quite a claim!
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for the question! It really comes down to subjectivity and personal preference. In addition to the quantifiable static weight of a key, there are many other elements to the action that dictate the "feel" of the piano. Even the interconnectivity between the action and tone engine can affect the "feel" of the piano. Like most, I have found the P525 to be on the lighter side compared to the P515 in terms of the touch.
Call me def leppard, but I just absolutely love Bossendorfer sound from Yamaha. Since I am not playing that much and the budget is an issue, I got myself Roland FP30x (based on Stu's reviews of many competing instruments) and I am quite satisfied with both the sound and the action (especially the action). But I keep on dreaming about the upgrade -- to ES920 ;-)
Congrats on your FP30X! It is a powerhouse machine that greatly outperforms its price tag. Also, I hope you're able to upgrade to the ES920 at some point. It is hands down one of my favourite all-in portable digital pianos. The tone on the ES920 is nothing short of spectacular. :)
I've had the P-525 keyboard for less than 3 months, and there's a key that's no longer working. Despite it still being under warranty, the technical service is asking for 100 euros for the repairman's visit. Beware of the manufacturer's warranty, which is really poor.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! I am very sorry to hear that you have experienced issues with your manufacturer's warranty from Yamaha. We are not Yamaha dealers at this time, so I don't have too much experience with the company in terms of warranty claims. In any case, I hope that your P525 can be repaired at the lowest possible expense to you. Best of luck!
Great comparison this two boards flagships. I returned Yamaha P-515 only because the key weight was really heavy feelings to my taste, but sound quality on Yamaha was beautiful all ways. Using about 5 last month Kawai ES920 and just love this board...sounds quality best to me, keys feelings and others futures as a weight (still this is COMPACT keyboard for possible relocations any time) and more. Interesting if you can saying a couple words about keys weight compare with P-525/P-515... Thank you a lot for this great comparison again!
NWX action is indeed too heavy (I mean, it is much heavier than any acoustic piano action I played). I returned P-515 after a few months of use. I started to have finger problems
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for taking the time to check out the video and write in with your experiences. We appreciate it! The key weight of the P515 is definitely on the heavy side, so I certainly understand where you're coming from. I am a bigger fan of the Kawai ES920's RHIII myself in that regard. :)
@@mfurmanI am in the lucky circumstances that I own a few instruments.... the 515 I love ,but you are right that its heavy so I only use it twice a week....my dgx 670 I love the feel , only not between the black keys.... the kawai es 520 I love because its light and great to practice a lot....but the best of all is the kawai mp11se..... buttersmooth... just simply lovely as verstappen would say....😄
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for the question! Naturally, I can't speak on behalf of Stu, but I'll be happy to put it on the list of potential questions for the next Q&A video with Stu. :)
Which keyboard action/feel is better to you? Yamaha p525 or Kawai VPC1 that has even more wood and a longer pivot length.. Will you review also this VPC1 separately? I am still waiting for the separate review of the p525 :) But thanks for the current comparison!
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for the suggestions! I imagine P525 and VPC1 reviews will be coming shortly. As for which action has a better or more authentic feel, it is a matter of subjectivity of course. But, for me, the VPC1 is hands down the more authentic feeling action. :)
I’m having the hardest time deciding what to buy. Someone choose for me. Budget $3k, want a keyboard over a digital piano for a newer student that I hope lasts them a long time without having to upgrade again.
Hi! Brent here! It really comes down to personal preference. At the end of the day, it is a decision that every player must make for themselves. With that said, my personal favourite around that price category is the ES920. I think it has fantastic touch, tone, and functionality for the investment. :)
Both of them sound very nice. The EX sample sort of reminded me of my ES110 that was replaced by a DGX670 a few months ago. Kawai and Yamaha are definitely my go to for digital pianos. Also just a question? Do both of these models have physical buttons to at least make blinde users lifes easier?🎹🎶
nother great video, thanks! I'm currently looking to buy a new piano and I'm torn between the Yamaha P525 (which I chose based on reviews, as it's not available near me) and the new cool Casio PX S7000. What would you recommend?
Hi there! Thank you so much! We're glad you're enjoying the videos. It all comes down to personal preference of course. They have very different tones and touches. For me, I prefer the Casio PXS7000 in terms of sound and aesthetic. It is also super portable and lightweight, which is attractive for gigging musicians. However, it is a subjective matter of course. I would recommend trying them out in person if at all possible. That is the best way to determine which one you resonate with more.
Just my opinion as an amateur musician, but I would consider buying the keyboard that you like the feel of best, regardless of the brand or sound. If you plan to play it live, people likely aren’t going to notice the subtle differences in the piano sounds among the major quality brands (in a bar, party, or church) like Yamaha, Roland, Nord, or Kawai, etc. If you are looking for THE best sounding piano, then once you buy the keyboard you like the feel of, go out and buy a good piano VST plugin like Vienna (VSL), Keyscape, Ravenscroft, Pianoteq, or Garritan, etc. Those and/or any future piano plugins will likely always be superior to any static onboard keyboard piano sound….at least for the time being. Again, just my opinion to perhaps mull over for those that are just starting out on the keyboard decision process.
For sure! I agree with this sentiment. The action is the invariable component of a digital piano. You can always expand your sonic palette with VST plugins and you can always achieve more speaker power via external amplifiers. But, the action is the element that cannot be changed. To that point, it makes sense to make it a priority when selecting an instrument. :)
I thought I was going to plump for the Yamaha, but after hearing the Kawai, that, to me, sounds so much better. Does the Kawai have a Rhodes Suitcase sound and if so, how does it compare to the Roland? I have a Roland 60X and the Rhodes on that is perfect.
The Kawai ES920 does have a number of electric piano sounds, including a Rhodes sound. I would rate it quite highly, but it comes down to a matter of subjectivity and preference as to which one a specific player prefers.
I agree. I was gunning for the p525 mainly due to wooden keys, but this video has probably swayed me after viewing it twice now over a few weeks. The proof is in the pudding though and I’m keen to try them in person… however my gut says kawaii. I also wonder how they compare to console pianos. I know they are a different market but I would say I am considering both… but will probably opt for a more portable option like these. I would love more of a crossover between stage pianos and these type pianos… kind of of like what Korg sv2s is doing. I love the idea of the kawaii mp11se…. Except it doesn’t have speakers. I have excellent quality monitors but I want speakers in the keyboard.
I currently own a Kawai GL40 Grand that I purchased new a few months ago. I love it but I live in an apartment and need something for silent practice. Would you recommend the CA501 or this ES920 with the matching piano stand and triple pedal system? Please let me know the reasoning. I am looking to go in to compare them but would appreciate some feedback as you are also very familiar with my Kawai GL40 and made reviews about it in the past
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Congrats on your GL40. They're exceptional pianos. In my opinion, you'll be in great shape either way! The CA501 and ES920 are both exceptional pianos. I would give the edge to the CA501 due to the superior speaker system and all-wooden keyboard action. The combination of those elements would provide a musical experience that is closer to your GL40's. However, if you do opt for the ES920, you're getting a tremendous instrument that does a fantastic job at capturing the magic of Kawai's acoustic pianos. :)
@ thank you : ) I’m at the dealership now. Been going back and forth between the CA901 and the CA701. Are the CA701 and CA501 actually warmer sounding than the CA901?
@@MerriamPianosended up getting the Kawai ES920 with Sennheiser HD400PRO headphones to give company to my Kawai GL40 Grand. They are in the same room now…
Thankyou Stu for this video. I listen to my keyboards through headphones, studio monitors or stage amps. What would you consider to be comparable to the two presented models, but do not include the onboard speakers feature?
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for tuning in! The Kawai MP7SE would be the closest thing to the ES920 that does not have onboard speakers. Most "stage pianos" do not include onboard speakers as they are intended to be run through an amp or PA system.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thank you for supporting our channel! I know Stu and our production team appreciates it immensely. We have not yet reviewed the PS500 model, but I will be happy to pass the suggestion along to our production team and I'm sure they will do their best to tackle a review of it if possible. :)
Thank you kindly! We appreciate it. While you can access more sounds via MIDI connectivity and VST plugins, you cannot import more patches/samples on these pianos. You would need a sampler piano to do so. Some of the Nord pianos do offer that functionality though.
Both of these pianos have a little bit of mechanical key noise. That is a trait of heavier actions in general. For me, the Kawai ES920 is the more authentic feeling action. I think the weighting and let-off simulation is excellent and quite rewarding to play. :)
I really respect stu’s reviews and objective points of view, but (and I know stu recommends this) I thoroughly recommending taking it all with a grain of salt and trying yourself. I went to buy a kawai es920 over the p525 based upon stus review but when going to the store I found I probably preferred the 525. I still haven’t bought one and in Australia the kawai is a lot cheaper so I still may buy the kawai or even the mp7se by kawai which has the same action. I found the es920 was too muddy in the low end, unnaturally so. When playing 5ths in a blues style it was not right, to the point where I just wouldn’t play blues left hand 5ths style. I think the Yamaha was very good. Kawai a tiny bit behind (just my opinion: try yourself if you can and do what your gut says)
I also should say that it could have been a quirk of that particular machine, although I couldn’t seem to change it. It also occurred with headphones so it wasn’t the speakers.
Thank you so much for tuning in and sharing your experiences! I agree with your sentiments about the importance of testing these instruments in person whenever possible. Firstly, it is important to feel an action in person to determine preferences. Secondly, the sonic experience is quite different in person as well given that there can be some significant differences between listening to a line out feed of an instrument and the sound produced via its onboard speaker system. Thanks again and happy playing! :)
Eine andere Frage seitens der Bedieng oder später über I Pad mit Sprachausgabe. Sehbehinderte und blinde Menschen: welches von beiden ist da besser geeignet? Oder in wie weit muss einmalige ( einrichten) oder zu jedem spielen (erneute Einstellung) Unterstützung eingelant werden? Vielen Dank Gerade diese beiden interessieren mich. Ps. sorry einige Tippfehler waren enthalten
Thank you for the question! Truthfully, I am not really sure as to what additional features are available and present on either model in that regard. Perhaps, one of our community members that has experience with these features or capabilities can chime in with some feedback. :)
The comparison between Kawai ES920 and Yamaha P525 is great! Thanks. Sadly, the P525 is not available in my country (India). Regarding the ES920, is it a matter of concern that it was released 3 years ago? I mean, is it outdated? If Kawai might release a new model, then should I wait?
Hi! Brent here! We have not received any updates from Kawai about an ES920 replacement. For me, it still holds up as one of the best cost-to-value ratios on the market for top-tier all-in portable digital pianos. :)
Hi Stu, I practice a lot with headphones. How would you compare the keyboard noise between the two? Regarding the fact not to disturb other people in the room, when playing with headphones, I heard the 525 is louder ?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! The ES920 is a touch quieter in my experience. However, they both have a little bit of mechanical key noise, which is quite normal (particularly with heavier actions).
1. Which has closer to even weight or preferably even weight between the white and black keys? This what i don't like the most about dps. I don't remember my yamaha upright has lighter black keys than the white... 2. Which is better for fast repetitions?
Hi! Brent here! There will be an element of subjectivity in this regard. For me, the ES920's RHIII action has the edge here. I find the feel more consistent between the white and black keys. I also find the keyboard to be more responsive with a faster repetition speed. However, it is always best for players to test the pianos out for themselves in person when making decisions of course. :)
What do you think of the GrandTouch-S compared to the RH3? I'm a classical pianist (professional level) and action is definitely the most important factor. I have a CA99, so am very familiar with Kawai's sound set.
It really does come down to a matter of personal preference. Personally, I give the edge to the RHIII action as far as authenticity goes. I find the weighting and let-off sensation to be quite rewarding and engaging. My guess is that you would likely be more at home with the RHIII action given that you are already playing a CA99. While the GFIII and RHIII are different actions, there is a specific Kawai "feel" that all of their actions seem to possess (at least in my opinion).
Hi Stu, I’m playing a lot with headphones. How would you compare the keyboard noise between the two, when it’s about disturbing other people in the room when playing through headphones… I heard the Yamaha is louder, especially when pushing the keys down…
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! The ES920 is a touch quieter in my experience. However, they both have a little bit of mechanical key noise, which is quite normal (particularly with heavier actions).
Just wondering how Stu gets the clarity of his piano sound?I don’t know if it’s how your recording it or running through a mixer or what,or internal settings,would be nice to know,I can’t quite get that good of a sound on my brand new fp90x?
Hi! Brent here! The sound is captured via direct line outs from the piano into an audio interface. So, in other words, the sound you are hearing is not the onboard speakers.
The action of ES920 that I tested was very clicky and unacceptably bouncy for me. Even the action of ES120 was better. GrandTouch-S action is much better although a bit heavier than the action of C7 that I play often. Michael
It all comes down to subjectivity of course. Different players will have different priorities and concerns. Thankfully, there are a lot of models on the market to choose from.
Because they are both very solid actions. The decision ultimately comes down to the preferences of the player. For me, the edge is with the ES920's RHIII action. I find that action very well balanced and authentic-feeling.
Interesting, thank you! Yes people say they are both good, it comes down to personal preference, good to know that you can't really go wrong either way. edit: I bought the P525! Perfect set of features for me and good value. It is a bit heavy but I like that honestly, it feels very solid.
What do you think about the fact that the p525 doesn't have counterweights? And the fact that the es920 does have counterweights? How do you perceive this difference when playing both?
It all comes down to a matter of personal preference and subjectivity of course. With that said, for me personally, the counterweights do provide a more authentic touch and sense of control through the entire motion of the key. Different players will gravitate towards different feels though of course. :)
@@MerriamPianos The p525 does not have weights and despite that the comments are better for the p525 keys than the es920 weighted keys. This is not a criticism of Yamaha for not using counterweights, I think they are doing something very well at the Yamaha factory that we have not yet discovered. I have tried the GrandTouch and it has been very exhausting for me, at the same time, it is difficult for me to invest in a piano without counterweights (I have not been able to try the GrandTouch-S yet)
I say this because the Kawai RHIII counterweights are good, I think the disadvantages of the Kawai key are that it is very plastic and the rebound. However, the kawai key, in terms of counterweight, I think is very well done.
@@MerriamPianos Taking into account these two comments, it is very difficult for me to buy the p525 with my eyes closed, however, I think that buying it is something I should do
It's interesting that Yamaha has such limited rhythm options on their flagship portable. The PSR line, the DGX line, and their high end arrangers show Yamaha can do rhythms. But the P-515 and P-525 come with only 40 with no variation choices in each rhythm.
Different manufacturers tend to focus on different elements of their digital piano offerings. This is true when it comes to specific features like accompaniment and which lines/price points they are offered at.
@@MerriamPianos thanks!! Ima def go with it then! I found the touch on the 525 to be too light but I’ve read people saying online that the ES920 is even lighter but they must not know what they are talking about!
I played both and I find the kawai lighter. But it’s all subjective I suppose. Kawai spongier. Both great keyboards. If they weren’t so close it would be an easy decision. Try before you buy if you can.
If you are using line out connections, it would not disengage the speakers. With that said, if you are taking a feed from the headphone output, it would disengage the onboard speakers.
@@MerriamPianos The user manual page 78 writes this: 'The Line Out Volume setting is used to determine whether the Line Out level can be adjusted using the Master Volume slider, or whether the Line Out level should be fixed. This setting may be useful when connecting the ES920 digital piano to a mixing console or PA system, while using the instrument’s built-in speakers as local monitors.' That would mean that if you want you can switch of the onboard speakers with the master volume and select a fixed volume for the Line Out. Is that correct?
I am surprised you complimented the kawai ES920 that much considering the vibration problem, a one that has veen talked about also in forms. It is soo annoying how Kawai decided to but this beautiful sound engine and "theoritically" decent speaker system in such a cheap chassis where sound gets often distorded and the cheap plastic's vibrations (especially in high volumes) scratch the ears!
The ES920 is a remarkable instrument with many great things to talk about! While earlier manufacturing runs of the ES920 had a few issues with the speaker vibration you speak of, that seems to have been corrected. We have not seen warranty claims for that issue (or virtually any) recently in regard to the ES920.
Built-in speakers audio quality judging turns sometimes also into a comparison between good and bad miking (and respective post-processing 🙃) - just compare for instance with P525 raw zoom recording in ua-cam.com/video/1_j9W71sf_k/v-deo.html, but frankly, this link sounds more what I experience in any shop when trying out the P525. In opposite to that, the ES920 sounds full and rich to my ears from the start already in the show room through internal speakers. You can improve that with P525 Smart Pianist app and internal EQ, but the initial impression remains as more on the glassy spiky range (although because of that base sound character it will likely more cut through in a live band scenario). These things matter if you gig with piano with others or alone in tiny venues or if you intend to play more jazzy or classic tunes - you choose. For me, the ES920 absolutely delivers in the realm of jazz voicings in the critical mid-range or changing the tonal character with the EQ on the fly when playing solo. Stu demonstrates this in detail in some other vids, such as in ua-cam.com/video/sVkM15V8Q4w/v-deo.html. The key repetition in ES920 is the only thing I dislike. If you come from an P525 and change to ES920 side-by-side, you immediately notice the more "sluggish" key response. You can get used to, but it might take a while. For my solo or small jazz combo work, ES920+ with P525-like keys, sturdy metal case and USB-C would be a no-brainer buy for me. I even accept 5kg more schlepp factor for that. Do you read this, Kawai? 😄
Thanks for tuning in and sharing your thoughts/insights! We appreciate it. Generally speaking, we always capture the audio directly from the line outs of the instrument without any post-processing in an attempt to demonstrate piano sounds as transparently as possible. :)
Love Stu tips about, but Merrian is a store and obviouslly they will never brag abour a product they're selling (and because people can be passionate about brands too, not a fight to pick in business). That said, I had a P-515 (before P45, then P121, then DGX 660, then the P515 because "best portable yamaha ever / same sample and NWX from upper clavinova") and today have a totally entry level Kawai KDP75. The Kawai entry is an universe above the best yamaha (then why you bought a lot of yama's? Because at my place, stores don't have this kind of product so must buy online "in dark" and yamaha is consolidated brand, with warranty and stuff). And why I thik Kawai is better? Better sample: its not about audio here (taste), its the tech: kawai sample lasts for more than 1 minute(!!!!), yamaha CFX/bose fades aways after 30-40 secs. Keys: Man, if KDP75 is the entry of kawai and its a lot better than any yamaha key i've touched, just can't imagine how better RHIII, Grand Feel e etc are (nwx is in fact hard to play, one of worsts in my opinion than GHS, PHA4 and even Casio PX160 keys). Do a favor to yourself: if you are between both, go for kawai here.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for tuning in and sharing your thoughts and experiences! The Kawai SK-EX samples are amazing across all lines and price points. I certainly agree with your sentiment that they are immensely impressive. I'm glad you got a chance to discover what Kawai has to offer. :)
Can you all comment on how many accompaniments the 525 ha included? I was replied earlier on the 920 and I thought I’d ask for this one since these are my final choices. Thanks for all the great content! Never tire of seeing your reviews! 👏👏
Pricepoints change per region. In the Netherlands the P 525 costs about € 1900,- and the Kawai is about € 400,- cheaper. But price is not the only point that makes the decision about buying one or the other.
Mi diverto a provarli nel negozio di musica dove ho comprato il mio pianoforte digitale. L'aspetto che prendo subito in considerazione è quello della tastiera. Sarà un impressione, ma quella di Yamaha che preferisco, mi sembrava il tasto un po' più stretto e di qualità un po' economica. Silenziosità ottima. Con quella di Kawai es920 non mi trovavo ma si tratta come sempre di sensazioni personali. In Italia il differenziale di prezzo fra i due è notevole ben 500,00 eur a favore di Kawai che risulta più conveniente. Ciao❤
It is worth mentioning that, using a specific piano sample and Virtual Technician on the Kawai ES-920 (while having all the necessary knowledge) it is possible to create (or recreate) and save stunningly similar virtual "copies" of nearly all brands of piano (both contemporary and historic models). There are claims that, for instance, you can build from scratch on the ES-920 a virtual CFX that sounds more authentic than the sample that is present on the P-515 or P-525. Sound engines have big muscles nowadays.:) Thank you for another great video.
That is an excellent point! The customization options make these high-end digitals very compelling and capable of replicating a vast array of different pianos. :)
The es920 has nice sound samples but the action is pretty bad. Gummy at pianissimo and the dynamic sensors are inconsistent, some keys randomly sound dull and quiet despite consistent finger pressure, whereas the P525 has such satisfying consistent dynamics and clean action mechanics. The es920’s samples are nice, but have a lot of post production bass enhancement and shimmery reverb which can be added manually in eq and reverb settings. 920 action is terribly plasticky. Definitely prefer the P525 for all around instrument, great piano sounds and action that shines with built in sounds as well as VST’s. The extra variety of piano choices on 920 are a plus, but not worth being stuck with the action and the build is plasticky, the higher price gives the illusion of higher value but that’s not the case. Though that’s mostly retail markup as it’s still $1500 out the door from their factory dealer showroom, however they offer no return policy and very scant customer service. From a retailer you’ll be paying a $300-400 markup. The P525 is an exquisite fixture in the home, the es920 has the build quality of a keyboard you’d get at Best Buy.
These are both excellent, top-tier all-in portable digital pianos. At the end of the day, it all comes down to a matter of personal preference. The most important thing is to find a tone and touch that you connect with, which it sounds like you have. :)
That is fair. Kawai is definitely one of the most pro-active companies when it comes to refining their actions (both in regard to their digital and acoustic instruments). In any case, it all comes down to a matter of personal preference. Everyone will gravitate towards a different piano touch and feel. :)
Yeah unfortunately Nord prioritized in weight for gigging. I could be wrong with what they did with the Nord Grand piano. I believe they took the lightest weighted key in the graded action and replicated that across the keybed, making it not graded and the lightest feeling keystroke across the keybed.
when Kawai are giving you wooden keys they are real wooden keys like they have on the MP11,when Yamaha claims to have wooden keys they are not really wooden keys,at least not like Kawai has.They have a wooden element but the mechanism is basicaly plastic.In this case here Kawai are always honest they give the plastic but excellent RHiii they are not fooling anybody.Yamaha makes excellent acoustic pianos and have some excellent entry level digitals,but when you get to the higher price bracket IMHO they dont seem to take themselves and their actions as seriously as Kawai does.
Kawai makes exceptional actions - there are no doubts about that! I know a lot of people have requested their wooden key Grand Feel action to be featured in an all-in portable digital piano with onboard speakers and a digital grand with a full 5' baby grand cabinet. These are two very common wants we hear about from the piano community. We always pass along our feedback to Kawai when the opportunity presents. Hopefully, there are some more exciting additions to the line that offer their excellent wood-key actions in different formats. :)
Owner the P515 for a brief two days and returned. The P525 has an improved sound system compared to the 515 as well. The samples are better and the VRM is also more pronounced with default settings. It is a night and day difference.
Such a pity that kawai has such amazing sound and speakers and so cheap plastic built.The Yamaha instrument will last a lot more years than this Kawai.If you are a strong person that pushes the keys to their limit stay away from the Es920.
The ES8 (predecessor to the ES920) was a much more robust, metal chassis, but the common complaint was portability. Kawai's decision with the ES920 was based on portability and practicality as a gigging instrument.
Guitar sounds are hard to capture faithfully on digital pianos. We're used to hearing them blaring through powerful tube amps with a boatload of warmth and depth. ;)
@@MerriamPianos well,I don’t quite agree,they can capture different sounds of a lot of instruments faithfully,they could use a nicer deeper guitar sound ,with maybe a chorus sound or something,just a bit lazy on their part maybe
I've owned the ES920 for a while now, I bought it based on many of your previous videos and it's been an absolute pleasure to own. I'm no expert and I got no fancy words to say, so I'm not even going to pretend, but yeah, loving the piano, thank you kindly.
That is great to hear! Congrats on your ES920! It is an amazing instrument on all fronts! :)
As an ES920 owner for 4 years now, having gigged, played and taught piano on it I'm very pleased with my purchase and can't recommend it enough for fellow musicians. That being said I haven't tested the newest Yamaha - I'd trust Stu's impressions any time :)
The ES920 is a powerhouse! We're so happy to hear that you've been enjoying the piano. Thanks for tuning in! :)
Thanks Brent ! a pleasure@@MerriamPianos
I bought my ES920 a few months ago and couldn't be happier. I also own a 9' concert grand piano and I can say the ES920 does a very good job at simulating not only the sound but also the feel of the concert grand, making it the perfect practice instrument when I can't play on my acoustic piano. I have recently tried the Yamaha P-525 and found the action to be too light. Its predecessor, the P-515, had the opposite problem and felt too heavy. The Kawai ES920 is just right! In my opinion, to find a digital piano that does a better job at replicating the feel of a 9' concert grand I would have to move up to a NV10S, but that will be for another day!
We are so happy to hear that you are loving your ES920! It is an incredible instrument with one of the best cost-to-value ratios on the market as far as I'm concerned. I agree with your comments about how well it renders the tonal nuances of a 9' concert grand and how the action feels "just right" (at least for many players). It does come down to subjectivity of course. We have had customers feel that the ES920 is too light for their musical needs and preferences. Thanks so much for tuning in and happy playing! :)
As it goes for the "feel"... have you ever tried the kawai mp11se?
@@actie-reactie No, but I heard very good things about its action, because it is mechanically more similar to the action of an acoustic grand. But it is more expensive than the ES920 of course.
Is there a Rhodes Suitcase sound on it? If so, is it good?
Come si potrebbe evitare che la polvere si infiltri tra i tasti dato che non c'è coperchio?
I just got an ES920 recently to play when I'm not home and I've been really happy with it so far.
That is awesome to hear! They're fantastic instruments. :)
Thanks again Stu. I detect a bit more character in the Kawaii and the Yamaha has a bit of that spikey digital tone in the mid-upper register. Otherwise they are both lovely instruments. PS, thanks again for your RD88 review some time back, I bought it and fell in love with the action (not the menus..ha!). I honestly look forward to placing my hands on it every day and improvising or creating, it really is perfect.
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for tuning in and sharing your thoughts! Congrats on your RD88! They're fantastic machines. We're happy to hear that Stu's videos were helpful through your decision making process. :)
The Kawai ES920 has been on my Wishlist for a minute. What a robust piano sound. But even then, Stu can make any keyboard sound good!
Hi! Brent here! The ES920 is fantastic! It is one of my favourite all-in portable digital pianos on the market right now. :)
Well, based on this review/comparison I made my way to your Oakville shop to try the ES920. To say I was disappointed would be an understatement. I was especially underwhelmed by the auto accompaniment. The good news is there was P 525 available so I snapped it up. Honestly, for me there was no comparison but perhaps having played Yamahas exclusively for over 25 years has robbed me of any impartiality. Your video, however, was convincing enough to make me come in and give it a fair shake.
That is totally fair! Tone and touch preferences are very subjective of course. Every player will resonate with a different musical experience. I'm happy to hear that you were able to secure the P525. Thanks so much and happy playing!
Thanks for this review and for pointing out the differences between those two instruments. I really appreciate Stu's reviews and his playing and I have seen a lot of his reviews over and over again. Today I went to the store to hear and play the Yamaha P525, the Kawai ES920 and the Roland FP90X. Nothing can beat testing those instruments in person. On youtube, even with high quality headphones it's very difficult to judge, whereas in the shop it's so much easier to find your own personal preferences. And the choice of a digital piano is a very personal choice. Most pianists have different priorities and so have I. In the Netherlands the Kawai ES920 is a cheaper than the Yamaha P525, but this was not my biggest consideration. From the three mentioned piano's I preferred the Yamaha P525. The key's felt best under my fingers and I love the sound of the CFX. I don't need all the different Kawai samples and actually I found them sounding less than the Yamaha. I do own a Kawai CA 701 with the same samples (and the competition), but I like them better on the Kawai CA 701 as on the ES920.
From the three mentioned piano's I played today, the Roland FP90X fell off first, because I didn't like the modelled sound of it. Both the Yamaha and the Kawai sounded better. Between those two I preferred the Yamaha because of the wooden keys and the feel of it and additional the usb audio. I think all new digital piano's in this price range should have usb midi and audio. So I went for the Yamaha. But I completely understand that people may make different choices depending upon their personal preferences. My advise would be, watch the video's from Stu, prepare your knowledge and go to a store to decide yourself.
You're welcome! Thank you for tuning in and sharing your thoughts! We appreciate it. :)
It all comes down to personal musical preference and subjectivity of course. And I agree with your sentiments that it is always handy to test out the pianos in person whenever possible. I'm happy to hear that you've found some instruments that you connect with in the CA701 and P525.
Just bought my Yamaha 525 love it for a guitarist
Congrats! Enjoy the piano and happy playing! :)
The ES920's piano sounds are magical. Also love the seamless transition between line-out audio and speaker audio in the midst of playing.
It really is an impressive piano! And I certainly agree with your sentiment about the remarkable consistency between the line out, headphone, and onboard speaker sound. :)
The magic you’re hearing in the ES 920 sound is a lot of bass enhancement and shimmery reverb post production to the sample. These adjustments can be done manually to achieve a similar sound.
Kawai ES920 through speakers sounds remarkably close to line outs. Impressive! Plus the warmer tone of the piano, to me it's the clear winner here.
That is a very good point! The consistency between the speaker system, headphone output, and line outs is quite impressive! :)
A lot of the warmer tone on the ES 920 is digital bass enhancement and reverb added. Which can be adjusted manually to achieve the same sound
Thank you for this great compharrison video!
You're very welcome! Thanks for tuning in! :)
I've played the Kawai ES920 and I find it's action to be really crisp for an all-plastic-component action. In fact, I played the ES920 side by side the Kawai K-15 (which is Kawai's cheapest upright piano), and I have to say that ES920 gave me a much better playing experience than the K-15 which, while being a real piano, didn't impress me at all. Kawai probably tried too cut the costs when it designed ES920, but this is still a solid premium-level keyboard.
Interesting...kawai ES920 action better that a real piano ...
What do you mean by saying that the action of ES920 was better than the action of acoustic upright piano? Was it closer in its feel to a grand piano or that it was easier for you to play?
I only judge digital piano action by how close that are to acoustic piano actions.
Thank you,
Michael
It all comes down to a matter of subjectivity and personal preference of course, but I can understand where you are coming from. Sonically, the ES920 is giving you the tonal character of a 9' concert grand opposed to a console upright. It is ultimately a topic that every player will have a different opinion on. But, that is what keeps things exciting! :)
@@mfurmana Ihre Frage hat mich grundsätzlich nachdenklich gemacht. Auch über meine Kriterien unabhänig der ihriergen.
Es gibt ja den Spruch" Äpfel nicht mit Birnen zu vergleichen". Nur gibt es heute schon Kreuzungen davon. Vergleiche ich eine kreuzung mit einem Apfel oder mit einer Birne.
Nur weil es das Aussehen eines Apfels kann es schmecken wie eine Birne und umgekehrt.
Ist die Tastatur dann falsch oder falsch der Klang? wenn der Klang falsch ist und die tastatue richtig ist dann ein richtiges oder ein falsches klavier? denn der Anschlag für Flügel wäre ja falsch weil es ein anderer ist. und trotzdem könnte der Klang eunes Flügels drauf erzeugt werden. Aber wiederum gibt es Möglichkeiten beides zu verändern. mal zum klavier mal zum Flügel. Und doch wird immer zu merken sein oder nur fühlen..
Ein echtes Klavier ein echter Flügel das wäre auch meine Frage zum echten immer zu unterscheiden. Aber die Gewichtung muss der vornehmen der spielen wird.
@@morleriassternutatio8150 I will need to translate your post before responding to it 😊
I really wish Kawai would update the ES920. It was released 4 years again. Roland and Yamaha seem to have a better release cycle and makes worthwhile incremental improvements.
While I understand the sentiment because of how awesome the ES920 is, the ES920 still holds up as one of the best all-in portable digital pianos in 2024 in my opinion.
Why fix if not broke?
I think I prefer the sound of the Kawai. I think it sound a bit warmer in my opinion.
For sure! The warmth and depth of the SK-EX samples are very tough to compete with. :)
Mostly due to digital bass enhancement and reverb these are things that can be added manually. It does have nice samples though.
We have at home Kawai CA901 and ES920, both are fantastic instruments, but when I first heard the ES920 I was shocked how great sounds this little piano.
Congrats on your two excellent pianos! I definitely agree with your sentiments regarding the ES920. It is quite the powerhouse for its size. :)
This is a great channel, and you are an amazing artist. I’m just completing my 1st year with a professional teacher and will probably replace my very basic Yamaha digital. Your assessments are really helping my search!
Thank you for tuning in! We're glad you have found Stu's videos helpful. All the best with your piano journey! :)
Great video Stu ! very informative video ! you are an expert and i always take your opinion into consideration ! Thanks for sharing your knowledge !
Hi! Brent here! Thank you for tuning in! I will be sure to pass on your kind words to Stu for you. :)
Thx so 4 sharing both beautiful keyboards but I love my yamahas 🎉
You're very welcome! Thanks for tuning in! :)
Been deciding between these 2 for a while. The es920 speakers/sounds are better but I liked the action of the p525 more so I ended up getting the p525
That is totally fair! They are both great instruments. It really comes down to personal preference at the end of the day.
@@MerriamPianos it really felt like splitting hairs between the two. Was not an easy decision for me
The P5 25 speakers are actually better as the Kawai speakers notoriously buzz at high volumes.
(In Spanish from Spain)
Habitualmente nos mostráis las muestras de sonido con direct line-out.
No se si todos los demás usan un amplificador y altavoces externos.
Pero a mí me gustaría más oír las demostraciones a través de los altavoces integrados, de forma que la voz de Stu me sirva de referencia, y adicionalmente en la forma en que suena por los auriculares.
¿Os he agradecido otras veces el esfuerzo que hacéis en mostrarnos los pianos? Es siempre un gran placer encontrar un nuevo video con Stu explicándonos cosas y demostrándonos como suenan.
Muchísimas gracias a todo Merriam Pianos.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for the kind words and support! We sincerely appreciate it. With some reviews, we do feature the onboard speaker sound. This is typically indicated in the video when we showcase that aspect of the piano. With that said, the issue with capturing the onboard speaker sound is that there are so many variables that can affect how it is captured and presented. The room that you're recording in as well as the type of microphones being used and their placement can all have a drastic impact on the sound. From this perspective, some shoppers may hear a sound that is very different from that which they will experience once they bring the instrument home or hear it in another showroom. :)
I recently purchased the Yamaha. I do like the piano sound on the Kawai and that came in a close second. The only issue is I heard a review that said the Kawai produced a vibration sound due to the speaker resonating through the cabinetry. So that is pretty much why I went with the Yamaha.
Congrats on your P525! These are both excellent instruments of course, so it all comes down to personal preference. That was an issue with early batches of the ES920, but it has since been resolved and we have not seen that issue coming up on warranty claim. Thanks again and happy playing! :)
@@MerriamPianos happy to hear they fixed that!
Believe it or not, i actually just returned my P525 for that very reason… it happened on the one i demo’d in the store, and i thought maybe it was just that one, i purchased a p525 on amazon brand new and the same exact problem…
If I were to purchase an es920 now, how would I be able to tell whether I was getting an ‘early batch’ with the warranty issue or the later batch? It’s hard to know whether a particular store has been holding on to an old version it wants to get rid of, or ether it’s a newer version, considering it’s still got the same name. It’s not called es920s or anything different. ??
@@aaronmcdermott625same question here …
It seems like the Kawai just keeps winning no matter who it goes up against (so far)
It is an impressive instrument - that is for sure! :)
Both Pianos sound amazing as expected and with your eyes closed you could imagine sitting in front of a Concert Grand. As always amazing playing Stu. As a Yamaha fan and owning a P515 and CK88, I love their products, but I think the sound f the Kawai was amazing
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for tuning in! They are definitely both very solid instruments. With that said, I do agree with the sentiment regarding the ES920's tone. It is very impressive and authentic sounding! :)
I own both a P515 and 920. I prefer the kawai.
Very interesting comparison.
Can I put in a plea for a review devoted solely to the P525? And could this be of comparable length to the P515 review?
Many thanks as ever.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for the suggestion! I will pass it along to our production team on your behalf. :)
The Yamaha CFX treble is very "pingy" and unpleasant IMO. The Kawai SK is much more rounded. Though I assume this is highly accurate to both acoustic pianos. The (widely reported) improved action on the 525 would have been worthy of testing if I hadn't already a got digital piano last year, but in tone there's no comparison.
It comes down to subjectivity of course, but the ES920 is very difficult to compete with on the tone front. The SK-EX samples are remarkable! :)
I find that the “pingy” sounds really just come from one key: D5. For some reason, it is the only key that does this. All the rest sound just fine.
@@MerriamPianosis it just me or did the older Yamahas like p120 and p155 sound better ? New Yamahas sound more advanced but worse and less fun to play
This was one of the videos that convinced me to try the Kawai ES920 because I liked the warmth of its sound. However, when I tried it in person, I was actually really put off by the action. I just couldn't play pianissimo consistently. It very much feels like a two step keypress when playing slowly/softly and I found that very distracting and hard to handle; I can't play Clair de Lune on the Kawai ES920. The escapement point was so over the top and overly tactile to me that the sound either came out too loud, in an effort to get past the tactility, or not at all, because the escapement point swallowed it.
By pure coincidence, I passed by another store that had a Yamaha P-525 and it was love at first keypress. The action is a bit lighter and the escapement was a lot more subtle and smooth. When it comes to the sound, I also realized that, in person, I actually prefer Yamaha's clarity. Both the headphone sound and the speaker sound were excellent.
It felt like I finally found a piano that lets me play the way I want to play and so far, no other keyboard I've tried has even come close to inspiring me as much as the P-525.
To me personally, this comparison isn't even a contest.
These are both very solid pianos from two excellent manufacturers. At the end of the day, the decision between these two powerhouse portable digital pianos comes down to the player's musical preferences. We're happy to hear that the P525 satisfied your musical needs and tastes. :)
I played both of these recently and they’re both great. The Kawai keybed is the best you’ll find on a digital piano and the Yamaha is the same keybed as their clavinova’s and so is also excellent and hard wearing.
When it came to the sounds they’re once again both great. My favourite is the Kawai’s Concert Grand sample not only for sound but for feeling truly connected to the sound through the keys, it’s the best I’ve experienced outside of the Nord Stage and Grand which are 3x the price and then some.
For EP’s the Yamaha is better but there’s not a lot in it tbh.
The Kawai has more oomph in the lower registers to my ears making low notes sound lovely and rich. Whereas the sound generally from the Yamaha is brighter and somehow more modern sounding, whether that’s a good thing is a matter of personal taste.
Ultimately they are both beasts and I’d be happy with either one.
Not sure if you would be able to upload it to the Yamaha but on my montage there is an S600 Grand Piano sample that is beautiful, definitely as good as the Kawai SK-EX. It’s the only piano I ever use from that board
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! There are no doubts that these are both very solid instruments that offer a fantastic piano experience. I do agree with you in terms of touch/tone though. I would give an edge to the Kawai. The RHIII action and SKEX Concert Grand sample combination is fantastic! :)
I am planning on upgrading my p125 to the 525 once I pass probation at work @ the end of October. I love the Yamaha sound.
Best of luck with working towards your upgrade! :)
@@MerriamPianos , thank you!
The CFX sounds singular. It sounds emotional in a feeling of strings resonating and, yeah, it sounds stringy. The SK-EX is more rounded and sounds effortless so it's less emotional to my sensibilities and quite pretty. The Yamaha isn't so pretty but is somewhat vulnerable and still tinged like a subtle perfume in a way. I guess the Bosendorfer has a different character but I don't think that it sounds like an Imperial, the vastness and power of it isn't quite captured.
It is certainly a very nuanced conversation. The relationship between tone and expressivity is quite an elaborate equation that is a little different for every player. At the end of the day, the important thing is to find instruments that you fully connect with emotionally. :)
Great comparison! The ES-920 seems fantastic, it will replace my Yamaha P-155. I find the keys too heavy on the Yamaha.
Thank you! The ES920 is an excellent piano. If you found the Yamaha keys to be on the heavy side, I think the ES920 is a wonderful choice. It is a very authentic feeling touch.
Me too. Yamaha P515 has very hravy keys even on the lightest setting.
Many have commented on how 'light' the 525 action is. I own a 515, play mainly classical, and find the action good for keeping up finger strength when transitioning to an acoustic. I'm worried about losing that if I upgrade to the 525. Obviously I need to try it, but can you comment on that 'lightness' of the 525? You say it compares to an acoustic grand - quite a claim!
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for the question! It really comes down to subjectivity and personal preference. In addition to the quantifiable static weight of a key, there are many other elements to the action that dictate the "feel" of the piano. Even the interconnectivity between the action and tone engine can affect the "feel" of the piano. Like most, I have found the P525 to be on the lighter side compared to the P515 in terms of the touch.
Gr8 comparison!
Thank you so much! :)
Call me def leppard, but I just absolutely love Bossendorfer sound from Yamaha. Since I am not playing that much and the budget is an issue, I got myself Roland FP30x (based on Stu's reviews of many competing instruments) and I am quite satisfied with both the sound and the action (especially the action). But I keep on dreaming about the upgrade -- to ES920 ;-)
Congrats on your FP30X! It is a powerhouse machine that greatly outperforms its price tag. Also, I hope you're able to upgrade to the ES920 at some point. It is hands down one of my favourite all-in portable digital pianos. The tone on the ES920 is nothing short of spectacular. :)
I've had the P-525 keyboard for less than 3 months, and there's a key that's no longer working. Despite it still being under warranty, the technical service is asking for 100 euros for the repairman's visit. Beware of the manufacturer's warranty, which is really poor.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! I am very sorry to hear that you have experienced issues with your manufacturer's warranty from Yamaha. We are not Yamaha dealers at this time, so I don't have too much experience with the company in terms of warranty claims. In any case, I hope that your P525 can be repaired at the lowest possible expense to you. Best of luck!
Excellent review. Just wish you would have compared the key action of each a little more. Thank you!
We have covered the key action of each of these instruments quite extensively in other videos. :)
Great comparison this two boards flagships. I returned Yamaha P-515 only because the key weight was really heavy feelings to my taste, but sound quality on Yamaha was beautiful all ways. Using about 5 last month Kawai ES920 and just love this board...sounds quality best to me, keys feelings and others futures as a weight (still this is COMPACT keyboard for possible relocations any time) and more. Interesting if you can saying a couple words about keys weight compare with P-525/P-515...
Thank you a lot for this great comparison again!
NWX action is indeed too heavy (I mean, it is much heavier than any acoustic piano action I played). I returned P-515 after a few months of use. I started to have finger problems
@@mfurman Wow, so I'm not alone with my feelings about P-515.
@@alexgoriatchenkov Far from it 😀
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for taking the time to check out the video and write in with your experiences. We appreciate it! The key weight of the P515 is definitely on the heavy side, so I certainly understand where you're coming from. I am a bigger fan of the Kawai ES920's RHIII myself in that regard. :)
@@mfurmanI am in the lucky circumstances that I own a few instruments.... the 515 I love ,but you are right that its heavy so I only use it twice a week....my dgx 670 I love the feel , only not between the black keys.... the kawai es 520 I love because its light and great to practice a lot....but the best of all is the kawai mp11se..... buttersmooth... just simply lovely as verstappen would say....😄
Stu. Id love to know your top 3 piano sounds on the kawai? I love the Sk EX, the Jazz piano and the Sk5
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for the question! Naturally, I can't speak on behalf of Stu, but I'll be happy to put it on the list of potential questions for the next Q&A video with Stu. :)
@@MerriamPianos Thanks Brent
Which keyboard action/feel is better to you? Yamaha p525 or Kawai VPC1 that has even more wood and a longer pivot length.. Will you review also this VPC1 separately? I am still waiting for the separate review of the p525 :) But thanks for the current comparison!
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for the suggestions! I imagine P525 and VPC1 reviews will be coming shortly. As for which action has a better or more authentic feel, it is a matter of subjectivity of course. But, for me, the VPC1 is hands down the more authentic feeling action. :)
I’m having the hardest time deciding what to buy. Someone choose for me. Budget $3k, want a keyboard over a digital piano for a newer student that I hope lasts them a long time without having to upgrade again.
Hi! Brent here! It really comes down to personal preference. At the end of the day, it is a decision that every player must make for themselves. With that said, my personal favourite around that price category is the ES920. I think it has fantastic touch, tone, and functionality for the investment. :)
Can you please do a similar comparison between the Yamaha P515 and P525? Thank you!
We will do our best to tackle that comparison for you. Thank you for the suggestion!
@@MerriamPianos Thank you!
Both of them sound very nice. The EX sample sort of reminded me of my ES110 that was replaced by a DGX670 a few months ago. Kawai and Yamaha are definitely my go to for digital pianos.
Also just a question? Do both of these models have physical buttons to at least make blinde users lifes easier?🎹🎶
nother great video, thanks! I'm currently looking to buy a new piano and I'm torn between the Yamaha P525 (which I chose based on reviews, as it's not available near me) and the new cool Casio PX S7000. What would you recommend?
Hi there! Thank you so much! We're glad you're enjoying the videos. It all comes down to personal preference of course. They have very different tones and touches. For me, I prefer the Casio PXS7000 in terms of sound and aesthetic. It is also super portable and lightweight, which is attractive for gigging musicians. However, it is a subjective matter of course. I would recommend trying them out in person if at all possible. That is the best way to determine which one you resonate with more.
Just my opinion as an amateur musician, but I would consider buying the keyboard that you like the feel of best, regardless of the brand or sound. If you plan to play it live, people likely aren’t going to notice the subtle differences in the piano sounds among the major quality brands (in a bar, party, or church) like Yamaha, Roland, Nord, or Kawai, etc. If you are looking for THE best sounding piano, then once you buy the keyboard you like the feel of, go out and buy a good piano VST plugin like Vienna (VSL), Keyscape, Ravenscroft, Pianoteq, or Garritan, etc. Those and/or any future piano plugins will likely always be superior to any static onboard keyboard piano sound….at least for the time being. Again, just my opinion to perhaps mull over for those that are just starting out on the keyboard decision process.
For sure! I agree with this sentiment. The action is the invariable component of a digital piano. You can always expand your sonic palette with VST plugins and you can always achieve more speaker power via external amplifiers. But, the action is the element that cannot be changed. To that point, it makes sense to make it a priority when selecting an instrument. :)
I thought I was going to plump for the Yamaha, but after hearing the Kawai, that, to me, sounds so much better. Does the Kawai have a Rhodes Suitcase sound and if so, how does it compare to the Roland? I have a Roland 60X and the Rhodes on that is perfect.
The Kawai ES920 does have a number of electric piano sounds, including a Rhodes sound. I would rate it quite highly, but it comes down to a matter of subjectivity and preference as to which one a specific player prefers.
I agree. I was gunning for the p525 mainly due to wooden keys, but this video has probably swayed me after viewing it twice now over a few weeks. The proof is in the pudding though and I’m keen to try them in person… however my gut says kawaii. I also wonder how they compare to console pianos. I know they are a different market but I would say I am considering both… but will probably opt for a more portable option like these. I would love more of a crossover between stage pianos and these type pianos… kind of of like what Korg sv2s is doing. I love the idea of the kawaii mp11se…. Except it doesn’t have speakers. I have excellent quality monitors but I want speakers in the keyboard.
I currently own a Kawai GL40 Grand that I purchased new a few months ago. I love it but I live in an apartment and need something for silent practice. Would you recommend the CA501 or this ES920 with the matching piano stand and triple pedal system? Please let me know the reasoning. I am looking to go in to compare them but would appreciate some feedback as you are also very familiar with my Kawai GL40 and made reviews about it in the past
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Congrats on your GL40. They're exceptional pianos. In my opinion, you'll be in great shape either way! The CA501 and ES920 are both exceptional pianos. I would give the edge to the CA501 due to the superior speaker system and all-wooden keyboard action. The combination of those elements would provide a musical experience that is closer to your GL40's. However, if you do opt for the ES920, you're getting a tremendous instrument that does a fantastic job at capturing the magic of Kawai's acoustic pianos. :)
@ thank you : ) I’m at the dealership now. Been going back and forth between the CA901 and the CA701. Are the CA701 and CA501 actually warmer sounding than the CA901?
@@MerriamPianosended up getting the Kawai ES920 with Sennheiser HD400PRO headphones to give company to my Kawai GL40 Grand. They are in the same room now…
for piano sound they are all great ... but kawai is in a league of it's own ... it's like there's so much piano :)))))
It is hard to disagree with that statement! The ES920 is an incredible piano with one of the most authentic piano sounds on the market. :)
Thankyou Stu for this video. I listen to my keyboards through headphones, studio monitors or stage amps. What would you consider to be comparable to the two presented models, but do not include the onboard speakers feature?
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for tuning in! The Kawai MP7SE would be the closest thing to the ES920 that does not have onboard speakers. Most "stage pianos" do not include onboard speakers as they are intended to be run through an amp or PA system.
@@MerriamPianos Thanks, I will follow this up.
Hi Mr Stu Harrison. I am a huge fan of your Merriam Music piano reviews UA-cam channel!! Have you reviewed the Yamaha P-S500 digital piano?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thank you for supporting our channel! I know Stu and our production team appreciates it immensely. We have not yet reviewed the PS500 model, but I will be happy to pass the suggestion along to our production team and I'm sure they will do their best to tackle a review of it if possible. :)
@@MerriamPianosThanks
Great review thank you. Is it possible to import more sound samples? Maybe connecting them with their midi interface to a vst…?
Thank you kindly! We appreciate it. While you can access more sounds via MIDI connectivity and VST plugins, you cannot import more patches/samples on these pianos. You would need a sampler piano to do so. Some of the Nord pianos do offer that functionality though.
@@MerriamPianos Thank you very much for this fast and exhaustive response
打鍵音が小さいものはどちらでしょうか？
また生ピアノに近いタッチはどちらでしょうか？
もし打鍵音が小さく、タッチが生ピアノに近いものでおすすめがあれば教えていただきたいです！
Both of these pianos have a little bit of mechanical key noise. That is a trait of heavier actions in general. For me, the Kawai ES920 is the more authentic feeling action. I think the weighting and let-off simulation is excellent and quite rewarding to play. :)
I really respect stu’s reviews and objective points of view, but (and I know stu recommends this) I thoroughly recommending taking it all with a grain of salt and trying yourself. I went to buy a kawai es920 over the p525 based upon stus review but when going to the store I found I probably preferred the 525. I still haven’t bought one and in Australia the kawai is a lot cheaper so I still may buy the kawai or even the mp7se by kawai which has the same action. I found the es920 was too muddy in the low end, unnaturally so. When playing 5ths in a blues style it was not right, to the point where I just wouldn’t play blues left hand 5ths style. I think the Yamaha was very good. Kawai a tiny bit behind (just my opinion: try yourself if you can and do what your gut says)
I also should say that it could have been a quirk of that particular machine, although I couldn’t seem to change it. It also occurred with headphones so it wasn’t the speakers.
Thank you so much for tuning in and sharing your experiences! I agree with your sentiments about the importance of testing these instruments in person whenever possible. Firstly, it is important to feel an action in person to determine preferences. Secondly, the sonic experience is quite different in person as well given that there can be some significant differences between listening to a line out feed of an instrument and the sound produced via its onboard speaker system. Thanks again and happy playing! :)
Eine andere Frage seitens der Bedieng oder später über I Pad mit Sprachausgabe. Sehbehinderte und blinde Menschen: welches von
beiden ist da besser geeignet?
Oder in wie weit muss einmalige ( einrichten) oder zu jedem spielen (erneute Einstellung) Unterstützung eingelant werden?
Vielen Dank
Gerade diese beiden interessieren mich.
Ps. sorry einige Tippfehler waren enthalten
Thank you for the question! Truthfully, I am not really sure as to what additional features are available and present on either model in that regard. Perhaps, one of our community members that has experience with these features or capabilities can chime in with some feedback. :)
The comparison between Kawai ES920 and Yamaha P525 is great! Thanks. Sadly, the P525 is not available in my country (India). Regarding the ES920, is it a matter of concern that it was released 3 years ago? I mean, is it outdated? If Kawai might release a new model, then should I wait?
Hi! Brent here! We have not received any updates from Kawai about an ES920 replacement. For me, it still holds up as one of the best cost-to-value ratios on the market for top-tier all-in portable digital pianos. :)
Thanks @@MerriamPianos
thank you , i was waiting for this ... but kawai 1250 euros in my country!! now let's watch
You're very welcome! :)
We hope you enjoy the video!
Hi Stu, I practice a lot with headphones. How would you compare the keyboard noise between the two? Regarding the fact not to disturb other people in the room, when playing with headphones, I heard the 525 is louder ?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! The ES920 is a touch quieter in my experience. However, they both have a little bit of mechanical key noise, which is quite normal (particularly with heavier actions).
1. Which has closer to even weight or preferably even weight between the white and black keys? This what i don't like the most about dps. I don't remember my yamaha upright has lighter black keys than the white...
2. Which is better for fast repetitions?
Hi! Brent here! There will be an element of subjectivity in this regard. For me, the ES920's RHIII action has the edge here. I find the feel more consistent between the white and black keys. I also find the keyboard to be more responsive with a faster repetition speed. However, it is always best for players to test the pianos out for themselves in person when making decisions of course. :)
What do you think of the GrandTouch-S compared to the RH3? I'm a classical pianist (professional level) and action is definitely the most important factor. I have a CA99, so am very familiar with Kawai's sound set.
It really does come down to a matter of personal preference. Personally, I give the edge to the RHIII action as far as authenticity goes. I find the weighting and let-off sensation to be quite rewarding and engaging. My guess is that you would likely be more at home with the RHIII action given that you are already playing a CA99. While the GFIII and RHIII are different actions, there is a specific Kawai "feel" that all of their actions seem to possess (at least in my opinion).
Hi Stu, I’m playing a lot with headphones. How would you compare the keyboard noise between the two, when it’s about disturbing other people in the room when playing through headphones… I heard the Yamaha is louder, especially when pushing the keys down…
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! The ES920 is a touch quieter in my experience. However, they both have a little bit of mechanical key noise, which is quite normal (particularly with heavier actions).
Just wondering how Stu gets the clarity of his piano sound?I don’t know if it’s how your recording it or running through a mixer or what,or internal settings,would be nice to know,I can’t quite get that good of a sound on my brand new fp90x?
Hi! Brent here! The sound is captured via direct line outs from the piano into an audio interface. So, in other words, the sound you are hearing is not the onboard speakers.
@@MerriamPianos okay ,thx
I see the ES920 going on eBay for $1300.. dollars you think that is real or a scam? Really thinking about buying it
I am not sure to be honest. For reference, the price of a new ES920 here in Canada is $2399 at this time.
The action of ES920 that I tested was very clicky and unacceptably bouncy for me. Even the action of ES120 was better. GrandTouch-S action is much better although a bit heavier than the action of C7 that I play often.
Michael
It all comes down to subjectivity of course. Different players will have different priorities and concerns. Thankfully, there are a lot of models on the market to choose from.
How can the action be an advantage for both of them?
Because they are both very solid actions. The decision ultimately comes down to the preferences of the player. For me, the edge is with the ES920's RHIII action. I find that action very well balanced and authentic-feeling.
Interesting, thank you! Yes people say they are both good, it comes down to personal preference, good to know that you can't really go wrong either way.
edit: I bought the P525! Perfect set of features for me and good value. It is a bit heavy but I like that honestly, it feels very solid.
What do you think about the fact that the p525 doesn't have counterweights? And the fact that the es920 does have counterweights? How do you perceive this difference when playing both?
It all comes down to a matter of personal preference and subjectivity of course. With that said, for me personally, the counterweights do provide a more authentic touch and sense of control through the entire motion of the key. Different players will gravitate towards different feels though of course. :)
@@MerriamPianos The p525 does not have weights and despite that the comments are better for the p525 keys than the es920 weighted keys. This is not a criticism of Yamaha for not using counterweights, I think they are doing something very well at the Yamaha factory that we have not yet discovered. I have tried the GrandTouch and it has been very exhausting for me, at the same time, it is difficult for me to invest in a piano without counterweights (I have not been able to try the GrandTouch-S yet)
I say this because the Kawai RHIII counterweights are good, I think the disadvantages of the Kawai key are that it is very plastic and the rebound. However, the kawai key, in terms of counterweight, I think is very well done.
@@MerriamPianos Taking into account these two comments, it is very difficult for me to buy the p525 with my eyes closed, however, I think that buying it is something I should do
Keyboard touch in 525 is lighter than p125? I would like know that, thanks!!
Hi! Brent here! No, the P525 has a heavier touch than the P125.
It's interesting that Yamaha has such limited rhythm options on their flagship portable. The PSR line, the DGX line, and their high end arrangers show Yamaha can do rhythms. But the P-515 and P-525 come with only 40 with no variation choices in each rhythm.
Different manufacturers tend to focus on different elements of their digital piano offerings. This is true when it comes to specific features like accompaniment and which lines/price points they are offered at.
Does the 525 have escapement and triple sensors like the 920?
Yes, the P525 has escapement and triple sensor like the ES920. :)
Are the keys lighter or heavier on the ES920 compared to the p525 ?
In my experiences, the P525's touch is lighter than the ES920's. :)
@@MerriamPianos thanks!! Ima def go with it then! I found the touch on the 525 to be too light but I’ve read people saying online that the ES920 is even lighter but they must not know what they are talking about!
@@MerriamPianos also, how is the click clack compared to the Yamaha p525?
I played both and I find the kawai lighter. But it’s all subjective I suppose. Kawai spongier. Both great keyboards. If they weren’t so close it would be an easy decision. Try before you buy if you can.
Thank you Stu regards!!
Thanks for tuning in! :)
So my question is - when connected to audio out source, do the internal speakers turn off?
If you are using line out connections, it would not disengage the speakers. With that said, if you are taking a feed from the headphone output, it would disengage the onboard speakers.
@@MerriamPianos The user manual page 78 writes this: 'The Line Out Volume setting is used to determine whether the Line Out level can be adjusted using the Master
Volume slider, or whether the Line Out level should be fixed. This setting may be useful when connecting the ES920
digital piano to a mixing console or PA system, while using the instrument’s built-in speakers as local monitors.' That would mean that if you want you can switch of the onboard speakers with the master volume and select a fixed volume for the Line Out. Is that correct?
@@MerriamPianosgreat!!!! Thanks
@@mdezwartThat is correct. There is also a switch on the back of the piano to easily turn off the speakers.
I am surprised you complimented the kawai ES920 that much considering the vibration problem, a one that has veen talked about also in forms. It is soo annoying how Kawai decided to but this beautiful sound engine and "theoritically" decent speaker system in such a cheap chassis where sound gets often distorded and the cheap plastic's vibrations (especially in high volumes) scratch the ears!
The ES920 is a remarkable instrument with many great things to talk about! While earlier manufacturing runs of the ES920 had a few issues with the speaker vibration you speak of, that seems to have been corrected. We have not seen warranty claims for that issue (or virtually any) recently in regard to the ES920.
Built-in speakers audio quality judging turns sometimes also into a comparison between good and bad miking (and respective post-processing 🙃) - just compare for instance with P525 raw zoom recording in ua-cam.com/video/1_j9W71sf_k/v-deo.html, but frankly, this link sounds more what I experience in any shop when trying out the P525. In opposite to that, the ES920 sounds full and rich to my ears from the start already in the show room through internal speakers. You can improve that with P525 Smart Pianist app and internal EQ, but the initial impression remains as more on the glassy spiky range (although because of that base sound character it will likely more cut through in a live band scenario).
These things matter if you gig with piano with others or alone in tiny venues or if you intend to play more jazzy or classic tunes - you choose. For me, the ES920 absolutely delivers in the realm of jazz voicings in the critical mid-range or changing the tonal character with the EQ on the fly when playing solo. Stu demonstrates this in detail in some other vids, such as in ua-cam.com/video/sVkM15V8Q4w/v-deo.html.
The key repetition in ES920 is the only thing I dislike. If you come from an P525 and change to ES920 side-by-side, you immediately notice the more "sluggish" key response. You can get used to, but it might take a while.
For my solo or small jazz combo work, ES920+ with P525-like keys, sturdy metal case and USB-C would be a no-brainer buy for me. I even accept 5kg more schlepp factor for that. Do you read this, Kawai? 😄
Thanks for tuning in and sharing your thoughts/insights! We appreciate it. Generally speaking, we always capture the audio directly from the line outs of the instrument without any post-processing in an attempt to demonstrate piano sounds as transparently as possible. :)
Love Stu tips about, but Merrian is a store and obviouslly they will never brag abour a product they're selling (and because people can be passionate about brands too, not a fight to pick in business).
That said, I had a P-515 (before P45, then P121, then DGX 660, then the P515 because "best portable yamaha ever / same sample and NWX from upper clavinova") and today have a totally entry level Kawai KDP75.
The Kawai entry is an universe above the best yamaha (then why you bought a lot of yama's? Because at my place, stores don't have this kind of product so must buy online "in dark" and yamaha is consolidated brand, with warranty and stuff).
And why I thik Kawai is better?
Better sample: its not about audio here (taste), its the tech: kawai sample lasts for more than 1 minute(!!!!), yamaha CFX/bose fades aways after 30-40 secs.
Keys: Man, if KDP75 is the entry of kawai and its a lot better than any yamaha key i've touched, just can't imagine how better RHIII, Grand Feel e etc are (nwx is in fact hard to play, one of worsts in my opinion than GHS, PHA4 and even Casio PX160 keys).
Do a favor to yourself: if you are between both, go for kawai here.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for tuning in and sharing your thoughts and experiences! The Kawai SK-EX samples are amazing across all lines and price points. I certainly agree with your sentiment that they are immensely impressive. I'm glad you got a chance to discover what Kawai has to offer. :)
Can you all comment on how many accompaniments the 525 ha included? I was replied earlier on the 920 and I thought I’d ask for this one since these are my final choices. Thanks for all the great content! Never tire of seeing your reviews! 👏👏
Hi there! The P525 has 40 built-in accompaniment rhythms. :)
@@MerriamPianos thank you much for the reply, Really appreciate it!! 👍
Interestingly in Australia the ES920 is between 10% and 20% cheaper than the P-525.
Pricepoints change per region. In the Netherlands the P 525 costs about € 1900,- and the Kawai is about € 400,- cheaper. But price is not the only point that makes the decision about buying one or the other.
Very true. I got my es920 for$700 cheaper than in the USA.
Go for it - before they change their mind.
Mi diverto a provarli nel negozio di musica dove ho comprato il mio pianoforte digitale. L'aspetto che prendo subito in considerazione è quello della tastiera. Sarà un impressione, ma quella di Yamaha che preferisco, mi sembrava il tasto un po' più stretto e di qualità un po' economica. Silenziosità ottima. Con quella di Kawai es920 non mi trovavo ma si tratta come sempre di sensazioni personali. In Italia il differenziale di prezzo fra i due è notevole ben 500,00 eur a favore di Kawai che risulta più conveniente. Ciao❤
At the end of the day it's all about geting the piano you like not the piano you have to like know what I'm sayin?🎹🎶
It is worth mentioning that, using a specific piano sample and Virtual Technician on the Kawai ES-920 (while having all the necessary knowledge) it is possible to create (or recreate) and save stunningly similar virtual "copies" of nearly all brands of piano (both contemporary and historic models). There are claims that, for instance, you can build from scratch on the ES-920 a virtual CFX that sounds more authentic than the sample that is present on the P-515 or P-525. Sound engines have big muscles nowadays.:) Thank you for another great video.
That is an excellent point! The customization options make these high-end digitals very compelling and capable of replicating a vast array of different pianos. :)
You go Stu!
:)
The es920 has nice sound samples but the action is pretty bad. Gummy at pianissimo and the dynamic sensors are inconsistent, some keys randomly sound dull and quiet despite consistent finger pressure, whereas the P525 has such satisfying consistent dynamics and clean action mechanics. The es920’s samples are nice, but have a lot of post production bass enhancement and shimmery reverb which can be added manually in eq and reverb settings. 920 action is terribly plasticky. Definitely prefer the P525 for all around instrument, great piano sounds and action that shines with built in sounds as well as VST’s. The extra variety of piano choices on 920 are a plus, but not worth being stuck with the action and the build is plasticky, the higher price gives the illusion of higher value but that’s not the case. Though that’s mostly retail markup as it’s still $1500 out the door from their factory dealer showroom, however they offer no return policy and very scant customer service. From a retailer you’ll be paying a $300-400 markup. The P525 is an exquisite fixture in the home, the es920 has the build quality of a keyboard you’d get at Best Buy.
These are both excellent, top-tier all-in portable digital pianos. At the end of the day, it all comes down to a matter of personal preference. The most important thing is to find a tone and touch that you connect with, which it sounds like you have. :)
Kawai 😍
The ES920 is a gorgeous sounding and playing piano! :)
No! Nord Grand uses outdated action that is nothing close to Kawai’s. I accidentally bought a Grand and it’s action is so not what they claim it is.
That is fair. Kawai is definitely one of the most pro-active companies when it comes to refining their actions (both in regard to their digital and acoustic instruments). In any case, it all comes down to a matter of personal preference. Everyone will gravitate towards a different piano touch and feel. :)
Yeah unfortunately Nord prioritized in weight for gigging. I could be wrong with what they did with the Nord Grand piano.
I believe they took the lightest weighted key in the graded action and replicated that across the keybed, making it not graded and the lightest feeling keystroke across the keybed.
when Kawai are giving you wooden keys they are real wooden keys like they have on the MP11,when Yamaha claims to have wooden keys they are not really wooden keys,at least not like Kawai has.They have a wooden element but the mechanism is basicaly plastic.In this case here Kawai are always honest they give the plastic but excellent RHiii they are not fooling anybody.Yamaha makes excellent acoustic pianos and have some excellent entry level digitals,but when you get to the higher price bracket IMHO they dont seem to take themselves and their actions as seriously as Kawai does.
Kawai makes exceptional actions - there are no doubts about that! I know a lot of people have requested their wooden key Grand Feel action to be featured in an all-in portable digital piano with onboard speakers and a digital grand with a full 5' baby grand cabinet. These are two very common wants we hear about from the piano community. We always pass along our feedback to Kawai when the opportunity presents. Hopefully, there are some more exciting additions to the line that offer their excellent wood-key actions in different formats. :)
I love Yamaha sound❤..good comparision.👍
Thank you! We appreciate it!
Knock knock!
Who’s there?
Roland!
Roland who?
Roland updating the RD-2000 Stage Piano please:)
Haha I guess we shall see what the future holds soon enough! ;)
Owner the P515 for a brief two days and returned. The P525 has an improved sound system compared to the 515 as well. The samples are better and the VRM is also more pronounced with default settings. It is a night and day difference.
For sure! It is a meaningful upgrade. Glad to hear you're happy with the new model. :)
Top 4 comments seem to be: which Kawai are you gonna buy... Being a cheapskate I've bought ES110
The ES110 is an excellent instrument that presents an incredibly good cost-to-value ratio for piano players. :)
7:22 Loved that bit, Stu!😛
Thanks for tuning in! I'll be happy to pass along your kind words to Stu. :)
Such a pity that kawai has such amazing sound and speakers and so cheap plastic built.The Yamaha instrument will last a lot more years than this Kawai.If you are a strong person that pushes the keys to their limit stay away from the Es920.
The ES8 (predecessor to the ES920) was a much more robust, metal chassis, but the common complaint was portability. Kawai's decision with the ES920 was based on portability and practicality as a gigging instrument.
Don’t know why they put such a terrible guitar sound for the rhythm,could’ve used a much better sound sound than that tinny horrible guitar sound.
Guitar sounds are hard to capture faithfully on digital pianos. We're used to hearing them blaring through powerful tube amps with a boatload of warmth and depth. ;)
@@MerriamPianos well,I don’t quite agree,they can capture different sounds of a lot of instruments faithfully,they could use a nicer deeper guitar sound ,with maybe a chorus sound or something,just a bit lazy on their part maybe