Kawai ES520 Vs Yamaha P515
When it comes to choosing the perfect digital piano, the market is filled with an array of options. However, two brands that stand out from the rest are Kawai and Yamaha. Today we’ll compare two of their most popular digital pianos, the Kawai ES520 Vs Yamaha P515, to help you decide which one to choose. These pianos are in the same price range, but they are quite different.
In this comparison, we will talk about the following:
- What are the Kawai ES520 and Yamaha P515?
- How is the Design of the Kawai ES520 and Yamaha P515?
- How is the Sound Quality from Kawai ES520 and Yamaha P515?
- How is the Key Action in Kawai ES520 and Yamaha P515?
- What are the Features of Kawai ES520 and Yamaha P515?
- How is the Price of the Kawai ES520 and Yamaha P515?
- Kawai ES520 Vs Yamaha P515
- Which Digital Piano to Buy?
| Kawai ES520 | Yamaha P515 | |
|---|---|---|
  |   |
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| Product Dimensions | 56.5 x 18.4 x 11 inches | 52.6 x 14.8 x 5.7 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 34.9 pounds | 66 pounds |
| Shop now at Amazon | Check price | Check price |
About the Kawai ES520 and Yamaha P515
The Kawai ES520 is a portable digital piano equipped with an 88-key Responsive Hammer Compact II keyboard that replicates the touch of an acoustic piano, complete with graded hammers and ivory-like key surfaces. In addition, it features Kawai’s acclaimed Progressive Harmonic Imaging sound technology, leveraging samples from the esteemed SK-EX and EX grand pianos to create a luxurious, detailed sound. The ES520 also includes several integrated features, such as a recorder, metronome, and a range of instrument sounds for casual piano players and even professional musicians.
The Yamaha P515 also features an 88-key keyboard with graded hammer action, and it includes Yamaha’s Natural Wood X keyboard technology, which uses real wood for the keyboard and escapement mechanism to simulate the feel of playing on an acoustic piano. The P515 uses Yamaha CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial which are both flagship for the full sound and richness. The P515 also includes a variety of features, such as a built-in recorder, metronome, and a selection of instrument sounds, as well as Bluetooth connectivity for use with smartphones and tablets. Read also: Kawai ES520 Vs Kawai ES8 here.
Design and Build Quality
The design and build quality of a digital piano can make or break its performance. Both the Kawai ES520 and the Yamaha P515 are well-designed and built with high-quality materials. The Kawai ES520 has a sleek and elegant look, with a black finish and lightweight construction. The Yamaha P515, on the other hand, has a simple and modern design, with a black matte finish. In terms of build quality, the Kawai ES520 is much lighter than the Yamaha P515, which gives it a more robust feel. However, both pianos are sturdy and well-built, with no creaking or wobbling when played.
Sound Quality
The sound quality of a digital piano is one of the most important factors to consider. The Kawai ES520 and the Yamaha P515 both offer exceptional sound quality, but they differ in the way they achieve it. The Kawai ES520 features the Progressive Harmonic Imaging Sound Technology, which uses 88-key sampling to recreate the sound of a grand piano. The result is a clear and natural sound, with a wide range of tonal possibilities. The Yamaha P515, on the other hand, uses the Yamaha CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial grand pianos’ samples to create a rich and expressive sound.
Both pianos offer a variety of sound options, including different piano tones, electric piano tones, and other instrument sounds. The Kawai ES520 has a total of 34 sounds, while the Yamaha P515 has 40 sounds.
Key Action
The key action of a digital piano refers to how the keys respond when played. The Kawai ES520 and the Yamaha P515 both have excellent key actions, but they differ in the way they achieve it. The Kawai ES520 features the Responsive Hammer II keyboard action, which replicates the feel of a grand piano. It has a graded hammer mechanism, which means the keys’ weight is heavier on the lower notes and lighter on the higher notes, just like on an acoustic piano.
The Yamaha P515, on the other hand, features the Natural Wood X keyboard action, which is designed to mimic the feel of a grand piano. It also has a graded hammer mechanism, but it uses wooden panels, which offer a more tactile feel. In terms of performance, this technology feels very close to an actual piano key and can be a better choice if you prefer the more realistic experience.
Additional Features
Both the Kawai ES520 and the Yamaha P515 offer a range of additional features that can enhance your playing experience. The Kawai ES520 has a built-in recorder, which allows you to record and playback your performances, as well as a variety of connectivity options, including USB, MIDI, and Bluetooth. The Yamaha P515 also has a built-in recorder and connectivity options, including USB, MIDI, and Bluetooth. What’s surprising is that the P515 has a built-in 16-track sequencer that lets you record using the on-board memory; 16-track is a lot to work with as you can record different parts.
Price
The Kawai ES520 and the Yamaha P515 are both high-end digital pianos, with a similar price range. However, the Yamaha P515 is slightly more expensive than the Kawai ES520 knowing that this piano also offers more, specially on the keyboard and sound engine, which might be a deciding factor for some buyers. Check our other comparison in: Yamaha P515 Vs Yamaha P125 here.
Kawai ES520 Vs Yamaha P515
While the Kawai ES520 and Yamaha P515 digital pianos share some similarities, there are some key differences between the two models. Here are some of the differences:
- Keyboard Action: Both the Kawai ES520 and Yamaha P515 feature a fully weighted 88-key keyboard with graded hammer action, but they use different technologies to achieve this. The ES520 features Kawai’s Responsive Hammer Compact II action with an ivory-like key surface, while the P515 uses Yamaha’s Natural Wood X action with real wooden keys.
- Sound Engine: The ES520 uses Kawai’s Harmonic Imaging sound engine with 88-key piano sampling, while the P515 has Yamaha CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial with 256-note polyphony.
- Price: The Kawai ES520 is generally the more affordable choice than the Yamaha P515, but the latter also offers more and is considered the flagship from Yamaha’s Portable piano lineup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the Kawai ES520 and the Yamaha P515 are excellent digital pianos, with exceptional sound quality, key action, and additional features. The Kawai ES520 has a sleek and elegant design, with a natural and clear sound, while the Yamaha P515 has a modern and simple design, with a rich and expressive sound. Both pianos offer a smooth and responsive playing experience, with a variety of connectivity options and additional features to enhance your playing.
