Yamaha P515 Vs Kawai ES920
Digital pianos have become a popular alternative for traditional acoustic pianos, especially for musicians who need an instrument that is portable, versatile, and has advanced features. When it comes to digital pianos, some of the most popular models that come to mind are the Yamaha P515 Vs Kawai ES920. In this article, we will compare the features of these two digital pianos to help you decide which one is the best fit for your needs.
In this comparison, we will talk about the following:
- What are Yamaha P515 and Kawai ES920
- How is the Design of Yamaha P515 and Kawai ES920
- How is the Keyboard Action in Yamaha P515 and Kawai ES920
- How is the Sound Quality of Yamaha P515 and Kawai ES920
- What are the Features of Yamaha P515 and Kawai ES920
- How is the Price of Yamaha P515 and Kawai ES920
- Which Digital Piano to Buy?
| Yamaha P515 | Kawai ES920 | |
|---|---|---|
  |   |
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| Product Dimensions | 52.6 x 14.8 x 5.7 inches | 56 x 17.5 x 10.75 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 66 pounds | 55 pounds |
| Shop now at Amazon | Check price | Check price |
About Yamaha P515 and Kawai ES920
The Yamaha P515 and Kawai ES920 are both digital pianos that offer authentic piano sound and feel. They are designed for musicians and music enthusiasts who are looking for a high-quality instrument that can provide a realistic playing experience, whether for practice or performance. The Yamaha P515 is a portable digital piano that features a Natural Wood X keyboard with synthetic ivory and ebony keytops. It has Yamaha’s CFX sound engine with Vienna-built Bosendorfer Imperial, and includes 256-note polyphony.
The Kawai ES920 is also a portable digital piano that features a Responsive Hammer III keyboard action with 88 weighted keys and ivory touch key surfaces. It has Kawai’s Harmonic Imaging XL sound engine, which reproduces the sound of the Kawai EX concert grand piano. The ES920 includes a variety of digital features, including Bluetooth MIDI connectivity and a built-in audio recorder. Read also: Casio PX 560 Vs PX 360 here.
Design and Build Quality
The Yamaha P515 and Kawai ES920 both have a sleek and modern design that would fit well in any home or performance space. The Yamaha P515 has a compact design, but heavier compared to the Kawai ES920, making it a bit less portable. On the other hand, the Kawai ES920 is lighter, but form factor is almost identical to the P515. If you see a P515 with a stand and a bench, do note that these accessories are sold separately.
Keyboard Action
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a digital piano is the keyboard action. The Yamaha P515 features the Natural Wood X (NWX) keyboard with synthetic ivory and ebony keytops, which provides a realistic and responsive playing experience. The Kawai ES920, on the other hand, features the Responsive Hammer III (RHIII) keyboard with Ivory Touch key surfaces, which also provides a realistic and authentic feel. In terms of authenticity, the P515 feels closer to an actual acoustic piano.
Sound Quality
Both the Yamaha P515 and Kawai ES920 are known for their excellent sound quality. The Yamaha P515 features the Yamaha CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial piano samples, while the Kawai ES920 features the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX and SK-5 piano samples. The Yamaha P515 has 256-note polyphony, while the Kawai ES920 has 256-note polyphony in stereo. Overall, both digital pianos produce a rich and dynamic sound that is comparable to an acoustic piano. The difference is that P515 includes hundreds of tones instead of 38 like ES920.
Features and Connectivity
The Yamaha P515 and Kawai ES920 both have a wide range of features and connectivity options. The Yamaha P515 has built-in Bluetooth audio and MIDI, allowing you to connect wirelessly to your devices. It also has a USB to Host port, allowing you to connect it to your computer for recording and editing. The Kawai ES920 also has a built-in Bluetooth audio and MIDI, as well as a USB to Host and USB to Device ports, making it easy to transfer files and recordings.
Other features that the Yamaha P515 and Kawai ES920 share include a variety of instrument sounds, built-in effects, recording and playback capabilities, and compatibility with music apps.
Price and Value
The Yamaha P515 and Kawai ES920 are both premium digital pianos with advanced features and high-quality components. However, the Yamaha P515 is generally more affordable than the Kawai ES920, making it a better value for budget-conscious musicians. The Yamaha P515 retails for around $1,500, while the Kawai ES920 retails for around $2,000. Check our other comparison in: Kawai KDP75 Vs Kawai KDP70 here.
Yamaha P515 Vs Kawai ES920
The Yamaha P515 and Kawai ES920 are both high-quality digital pianos that offer excellent sound and playing experience. While there are similarities between the two, there are also several differences that are worth considering when choosing between them.
- Keyboard Action: Both pianos have weighted keys and synthetic ivory and ebony keytops, but the Yamaha P515 has a Natural Wood X keyboard, while the Kawai ES920 has a Responsive Hammer III keyboard. The Natural Wood X keyboard with wooden panel is designed to mimic the feel of a grand piano, while the Responsive Hammer III keyboard uses actual hammers to replicate the touch of an acoustic piano.
- Sound Engine: The Yamaha P515 has the CFX sound engine, with Vienna-built Bosendorfer Imperial. The Kawai ES920 has the Harmonic Imaging XL sound engine, which reproduces the sound of the Kawai EX concert grand piano. Both sound engines offer excellent sound quality, but some users may prefer the sound of one over the other, but Yamaha included more tones in the P515.
- Size and Weight: The Yamaha P515 is slightly heavier than the Kawai ES920, making it a less portable option.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing between the Yamaha P515 and Kawai ES920, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific needs. The Yamaha P515 is a more portable and affordable option with a realistic keyboard action and excellent sound quality. The Kawai ES920, on the other hand, is lighter and an excellent choice for those who adore the sound of Kawai acoustic pianos.
