Kawai ES520 Vs Kawai ES920
If you are searching for a digital piano, it is highly likely that you have already come across the Kawai brand. Kawai has been around for nearly 100 years, producing some of the most highly regarded pianos in the world. Their digital pianos are no exception, and the Kawai ES520 Vs Kawai ES920 models are both highly popular. But, which one is better for you? Today we will be comparing these digital pianos to help you make an informed decision.
In this comparison, we will talk about the following:
- What are the Kawai ES520 and Kawai ES920?
- How is the Design of Kawai ES520 and Kawai ES920?
- How is the Keyboard Action in Kawai ES520 and Kawai ES920?
- How is the Sound Quality from Kawai ES520 and Kawai ES920?
- How is Connectivity in Kawai ES520 and Kawai ES920?
- Kawai ES520 Vs Kawai ES920
- Which Digital Piano to Buy?
| Kawai ES520 | Kawai ES920 | |
|---|---|---|
  |   |
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| Product Dimensions | 56.5 x 18.4 x 11 inches | 56 x 18.2 x 11 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 34.9 pounds | 55 pounds |
| Shop now at Amazon | Check price | Check price |
About the Kawai ES520 and Kawai ES920
The Kawai ES520 and ES920 are both digital pianos that offer an authentic playing experience and high-quality sound. The ES520 is designed for players who prioritize portability and compactness without sacrificing sound quality. It features 88 weighted keys, Kawai’s Responsive Hammer Compact II keyboard action, and Harmonic Imaging sound technology that delivers a rich and dynamic sound.
On the other hand, the ES920 is a more advanced and versatile instrument that suits both beginners and professionals. It has similar features to the ES520, including 88 weighted keys, the Responsive Hammer III keyboard action, and Harmonic Imaging XL sound technology. Additionally, the ES920 offers a variety of features such as built-in speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, a large selection of voices and sound effects, and USB audio recording. Read also: Kawai ES520 Vs Roland FP 30X here.
Design and Appearance
Both the Kawai ES520 and ES920 have a sleek and modern design, with a compact and slim cabinet that fits in any room. These pianos are almost identical from the form factor as their dimensions are the same, but you can see the difference from the interface. Both pianos have a small display to show related information, but the ES920 has more buttons as it comes with more tones. The ES920 is also heavier at 17 kg compared to 14.5kg of ES520.
Keyboard and Action
The keyboard and action are perhaps the most important features to consider when buying a digital piano. Both the ES520 and ES920 have Kawai’s Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard action, which provides an authentic and realistic playing experience. However, the ES920 takes it a step further with its newest technology, which mimics the feel of an acoustic grand piano. The ES920 now adds Ivory Touch white key surface, let-off simulation, and counterweights.
Sound Quality
Another important factor to consider when buying a digital piano is sound quality. The ES520 and ES920 both have Kawai’s Harmonic Imaging sound technology, which produces a rich and dynamic sound. However, the ES920 has an additional feature called the SK-EX Rendering sound engine, which provides a more realistic and detailed sound by modeling the behavior of an acoustic piano’s soundboard and strings. This piano also adds another four tones to 38 different options versus 34 tones on the ES520.
As for the polyphony that refers to the number of notes a digital piano can produce simultaneously, the ES520 has a maximum polyphony of 192 notes, while the ES920 has a maximum polyphony of 256 notes. This means that the ES920 can handle more complex and layered pieces of music without dropping notes.
Connectivity
Both the ES520 and ES920 have a variety of connectivity options, including MIDI, USB, and Bluetooth. However, the ES920 has an additional feature called the Spatial Headphone Sound technology, which provides a more immersive and natural sound experience when using headphones. Check our other comparison in: Casio CT X5000 Vs Korg EK 50 here.
Kawai ES520 and Kawai ES920
The Kawai ES520 and ES920 digital pianos share many similarities but also have some notable differences. Here are the main differences between the two models:
- Keyboard action: The Kawai ES920 has a more advanced keyboard action, the Responsive Hammer III (RHIII) action, while the ES520 has the Responsive Hammer Compact II (RHCII) action. The RHIII action provides a more authentic feel and response, with triple-sensor key detection, while the RHCII action is a more compact design that still provides an excellent playing experience.
- Sound system: The ES920 has a more powerful speaker system than the ES520, with four speakers and a total of 40 watts of power compared to the ES520’s two speakers and 15 watts of power. This gives the ES920 a more expansive and dynamic sound.
- Features: The ES920 has more settings or Virtual Technician options (21) compared to (17) on the ES920.
- Size and weight: The ES920 is slightly larger and heavier than the ES520, with a more complicated interface.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the Kawai ES520 and Kawai ES920 are excellent digital pianos with their unique features and benefits. The ES920 has superior keyboard action, sound quality, and polyphony, making it a more suitable option for advanced players and professionals. However, the ES520 is still a great choice for beginners and intermediate players who are looking for a high-quality digital piano that provides a realistic playing experience.
