🎹 Discover the Beauty of Hybrid Pianos | Yamaha N1X vs Kawai NV10s Review, Demo & Comparison 🎹

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#YamahaN1X #KawaiNV10s #HybridPiano
0:00 - Introduction
2:41 - PIano Sound | NV10s
7:33 - Piano Sound | Yamaha N1X
12:20 - Piano Action Comparison
14:46 - Connectivity
15:27 - Speakers
17:51 - Final Thoughts
19:47 - Speaker Test
Thanks for joining us today! We’ve got a pretty exciting piano comparison today as we’re putting the Kawai Novus NV10S against Yamaha AvantGrand N1X.
These are some of the top digital piano models from each of these esteemed manufacturers largely due to the presence of real acoustic piano actions, so they often get compared by anyone seeking a top-of-the-line digital piano.
Background
Each piano is equipped with each company’s top tone engine. The NV10S boasts Kawai’s SKEX Rendering engine, as well as the HIXL engine, whereas the N1X has Yamaha’s Spatial Acoustic Sampling engine. Both of these engines feature extremely high-quality samples of their respective manufacturer's flagship concert grand pianos, with added resonance engines to fill out and authenticate the sound.
The goal of these pianos is to create a grand piano experience in a much smaller, maintenance-free footprint. Yamaha also offers their N3X which has the size and shape of a grand piano, so the N1X is really for folks looking for something in a smaller package.
Is This A Fair Comparison?
Many people will ask if this is a fair comparison because the NV10S is quite a bit more expensive than the N1X. But the fact is, these are the two most commonly compared hybrid digital pianos from Yamaha and Kawai according to Google.
This is likely because each piano represents the lowest price point a consumer can access a real grand piano action from these two manufacturers, so that does shed light on why these get compared.
How Do They Sound?
The NV10S’s Rendering engine consists of a sample of the SKEX that is the amalgamation of several full stereo recordings of the piano from different positions and mic placements, which is why it’s considered a multi-channel sample
The first observation is that the bass register sounds fantastic. There’s also a really great sound stage, meaning it really feels like you’re in front of a grand piano due to a sense of 3D space. The treble is very substantive, which is a quality often associated with great Steinway Model D’s.
We don’t have as much info on the N1X in terms of how Yamaha actually achieved the sample, but we can say the bass also sounds great, if slightly less clear than the NV10S. The mid-range is very tight sounding, and the 3D space we noted on the NV10S isn’t really present here. The treble is cleaner on the N1X, but also a little bit thinner.
Both ultimately sound great, but there are some meaningful differences.
Piano Action
The action is really the key selling feature of each of these pianos since they both boast actual acoustic piano actions.
The NV10S features Kawai’s Millennium III Carbon Fiber action - the same action used on their acoustic grand pianos - and it gives the sense that you’re playing a 7 to 9-foot piano. This is the result of a very long key stick and pivot length (both quite a bit longer than the N1X’s action.)
The repetition speed is quite a bit faster on the NV10S, and the damper simulator on the back of the key also feels more realistic.
Due to a shorter key length on the N1X action - Yamaha calls this action the Specialized Grand Piano Action - the weighting of the keys changes from the bottom to the top. The feeling of the dampers is also much less pronounced, and some players might actually prefer this.
Features/User Interface/Connectivity
When it comes to the features, interface and connectivity, this is where the NV10S starts to justify its higher price tag.
The NV10S has a great touchscreen Android user interface that’s easy to navigate, much like a smartphone. Features include 100 sounds, an extensive Virtual Technician function, tons of pre-recorded music, lesson books and more.
The N1X has a traditional push button control with a basic LCD screen. There’s little additional functionality with only 15 sounds, 10 pre-loaded songs and a very basic recorder.
The NV10S also has a lot more connectivity options with all the essentials covered, whereas the N1X is missing obvious things like a line output.
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[@katherineiriarte1942]

Love this comparison! Thank you for your stunning playing and the continuous playing differences! A fine video!

[@MerriamPianos]

You're very welcome! We really appreciate you tuning in and supporting the channel. :)

[@Gothenburgpiano]

I have Kawai NV10S and it's fantastic! No regret at all. Amazing sound and action

[@MerriamPianos]

Congrats on your NV10S! It is an exceptional piano with one of the best tones and actions on the market! Happy playing! :)

[@Notmehimorthem]

Thank you so much, your videos are very informative. I am going to buy a new piano soon, playing and replaying your videos

[@MerriamPianos]

You're very welcome! We're happy to hear that you have found our videos helpful through your process! :)

[@Biozene]

I've been interested to learn more about the Yamahas at this level, so thank for this!

[@MerriamPianos]

You're very welcome! We're happy to help! :)

[@RedWaveComing2024]

thanks Stu...loves the N1X and will be putting my order next week....always love the Bosendorfer sound

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks for tuning in! We appreciate it. :)

[@tenyako]

This IS the video I am looking for! Thank you!

[@MerriamPianos]

You're very welcome! Thanks for tuning in! :)

[@MiezoT]

thanks for this comparison, very helpful!

[@MerriamPianos]

You're very welcome! :)

[@FingersKungfu]

Yes. Been waiting for a comparison of these big boys.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thank you for your patience! We're happy to finally release it! :)

[@jamesnewberry2945]

I think this is best you played from what I have seen of you Thank You

[@MerriamPianos]

I will be sure to pass on the wonderful compliment to Stu! Thanks for tuning in! :)

[@jacquelinerubin8274]

Thank you Stu for this very objective and informative presentation. Many factors go into which piano to choose and you summarized that very well. I also believe that if Kawaii put out an entry level grand hybrid like Yamaha has done with its N1X that they would have cut a few of the extras they have on their current model which is more expensive than Yamaha’s N1X. I have had my N1X for the past year and am quite satisfied. I play classical as well as more modern music and it truly fits my playing. I enjoy it’s 15 voices which are very tastefully chosen and have not made any tweaks so far. I love being able to play Bach on a harpsichord setting and ragtime on either a bright piano setting or pop piano. I could go on but let me say when I have to drag myself to practice this piano keeps me involved and is so enjoyable that I can practice for hours. This is from a lifelong acoustic pianist that values an authentic piano action as well as a well balanced sound. The transition to playing an acoustic from the N1X is seamless. Everyone has their own needs and preferences. Thank you Stu.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for tuning in and writing in! We appreciate it. :) I definitely agree. A lot of the decision comes down to musical preference. Every piano manufacturer offers a slightly different take on tone and touch. The most important thing is to find an instrument that you resonate with. It sounds like you have found that in the N1X! Thanks again and happy playing!

[@WaffenCashCash]

Hi there, thanks for another fantastic review for us to enjoy. Are you planning to cover the new Kawai CA401 anytime soon?

[@MerriamPianos]

You're very welcome! We certainly are. We are expecting our first batch of CA401 and CA501 pianos from Kawai this month and should have videos out shortly after. :)

[@WaffenCashCash]

@@MerriamPianos Awesome, I'll stay tuned!

[@robertolazary2807]

Thank you very much for this informativ presentation. Now I exactly know what I want: The Kawai NV10s

[@MerriamPianos]

You're very welcome! The NV10S is a total powerhouse that provides one of the most authentic playing experiences you will find in a digital form. I know you will be very pleased with it. :)

[@robertolazary2807]

@@MerriamPianos I have ordered it! Will come next month

[@southpark4151]

11:12 - the thumping/boom type sounds are really audible there with each key push.

[@MerriamPianos]

There is inevitably going to be some mechanical key noise, particularly with heavier actions like you find on a hybrid piano.

[@jamesbigfan364]

did you take improvisation classes? Every time you play in these videos is just mesmorizing. It's always fresh!

[@MerriamPianos]

Stu has an extremely comprehensive musical education/background, which includes improvisation. He is an incredible improviser to say the least! :)

[@AlbertoSegovia.]

Interesting! Thanks once again!

[@MerriamPianos]

You're very welcome! :)

[@michaelsmith697]

I really like the Kawai - richer and warmer, and the millennium 3 action. And sense of space and resonance

[@MerriamPianos]

I concur! The NV10S is a breathtakingly impressive instrument! It is a dream to play and experience sonically. :)

[@topmusicco]

I've been playing the Kawai for years and I love the action and the sound - but only through headphones. It's like I'm playing a 9" grand with headphones and I don't think I could tell the difference in a blind test. BUT...I really don't like the sound out of the Kawai speaker. Your test at the end affirmed that the Yamaha seemed to have a richer, warmer speaker output. Anyone else found that?

[@MerriamPianos]

It really comes down to a matter of musical preference of course and, as you've pointed out, there can be a big disparity in the sonic experience of the same instrument between using it with headphones or with the onboard speaker system. With that said, I am personally a huge fan of the warm sound of the NV10S. Thanks so much and all the best! :)

[@jackyjaacc_piano]

Excellennt review. How did you capture the audio? Were those internal recording or did you plug them into an audio interface?

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks so much! We're glad you enjoyed it. The audio is generally captured through a direct line out from the instrument, which is plugged into an audio interface and recorded into a DAW. With that said, we do not do any post-production work or colouring of the sound to ensure that our viewers are hearing the most transparent presentation of each model's piano sound.

[@soundbonz]

I wanted to leave a comment to thank you, Stu. I've been saving up for a digital piano since the pandemic lockdown. Your Merriam Music videos were a fantastic resource during the research phase. I also have the good fortune of living in a city that has both Kawai and Yamaha pianos so was able to try both brands and several models in person. First off, after playing the hybrid action models, none of the digitals were going to make sense. They're just so different and it's not close. The hybrids of both Kawai and Yamaha offer a genuine acoustic piano playing experience and you can't go wrong with either. I compared the Kawai NV5s and the Yamaha NU1XA... newly released in September of 2023. Both upright pianos with upright action, which is okay with me. I grew up in a house with an upright. I went with the Yamaha NU1XA. Mostly because of the big price difference, but also I preferred the sound of the Yamaha samples, especially in the lower octaves. And I like that the sound is right in front of you... like a real piano in your living room, instead of the fake convolution reverb of a concert hall. Yes, it has a harder action, but that's not a bad thing. It's really solid. Feels so good to play. I compared it literally side by side with a Yamaha U1 acoustic upright. The NU1XA was about 90 percent of the real experience. The action was identical. Thank you Stu. Your presentations were among the most informative of all the music stores who publish on KZbin.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for supporting our channel and sharing your kind words! They are much appreciated. I will be happy to pass them along to Stu as well! :) Congrats on your Yamaha NU1XA! I am glad to hear that you had a chance to demo all of the models of interest in person. That is the best way to determine which tone and touch you resonate with the most. Thanks so much once again and happy playing!

[@MDZac2024]

As a soon to be graduated medical student (May 2024!), I’ve been waiting years to get another hybrid. I owned the original AvantGrand N1 from 2011-2018. Never loved the sound. The N1X sounds much better, but it’s still not as nice sounding as the NV10S, and doesn’t look as nice either. I plan to purchase the NV10S.

[@MerriamPianos]

Congratulations on your academic success! That is amazing! And I certainly agree that the NV10S is a difficult instrument to compete with. It plays just as good as it sounds too! :)

[@Zoco101]

Yes, congratulations to you! I see that many doctors are keen musicians, but I know it can be hard getting regular practice in due to the frenetic work schedules. At least with piano you don't absolutely have to belong to a band/orchestra. Hope my doctor niece plays her cello again one day. Enjoy your new piano when you get it.

[@khuoh]

Onboard sound engine on the N1X allowing easier VST pass through might make a difference for some people. However, I found pianoteq to be less laggy on the NV10s when compared to my Yamaha NU1X and I suspect might be similar on the N1X

[@MerriamPianos]

There are a number of things to consider of course when using a digital or hybrid piano in conjunction with VST plugins. With that said, the optical sensor system and the accuracy and speed of its tracking on the NV10S is exceptional. :)

[@Philomathe]

I have a N1 (not N1X), and I put a pair of monitor speakers on top of it (Adam T7v) and I use both the internal speakers and the monitor speakers with pianoteq software. The sound is just impossible to match if you’re using pianoteq. It’s so much better than the internal synthesis. And with the additional monitor speakers the sound is much more immersive. Give it a try, you won’t regret it :)

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks so much for the tip! That sounds like an excellent way to really optimize the sonic experience! Thank you kindly and happy playing! :)

[@johanibraaten]

Thank you for this review, I think your channel is great! It might be worth mentioning though that when it comes to dampers, the Yamaha simulates damper behavior with slow release and different damper positions related to different positions of the keys. The NV10s doesn't have that functionality but instead simulate the physical weight of the dampers. The Yamaha also has USB audio which is great when using virtual instruments, the Kawai doesn't have that. They are both great instruments though.

[@johanibraaten]

@Milo Prager What I mean with Yamahas damper simulation is that they simulate the sonic consequences of the dampers. For example, if you release the key halfway and then stop so the dampers touch the strings but don't fully dampen, the decay of the tone will be faster than an undampened string but still slower than if it's fully dampened. It's a bit similar as the half pedal effect but executed with the keys. Yamaha N1X simulates this effect while Kawai NV10s don't. And with USB audio I mean to be able to access the pianos built in audio interface and choose it as the audio output. This mean that you can connect to a computer with only one single USB cable for both receiving MIDI and simultaneously route the computer audio thorough the piano speakers in a similar matter as with an external audio interface. Kawai don't have this function.

[@johanibraaten]

@Milo Prager I know that the Kawais support half pedalling, however you can’t access this partial damping effect with the keys only. I’m afraid I’m not wrong on that matter. I don’t think it’s that big of a deal though.

[@MerriamPianos]

You're very welcome! Thanks for tuning in and filling in some gaps with your insights! They are certainly both excellent, top-quality instruments. They do offer a different musical experience and some different features of course. The preference between these two powerhouse hybrids will ultimately come down to the tastes of the player. :)

[@karll3119]

Excellent review

[@MerriamPianos]

Thank you so much! We appreciate it! :)

[@iSyotos]

Would really love to see Nu1x va NV5S as a next video! I played the N1 and Nu1X yesterday and liked the sound of the Nu1X FAR more than the N1. Compared to the Nu1X, the N1 sounded a bit muffled and far away, which is interesting because the Nu1X is far cheaper

[@MerriamPianos]

Thank you kindly for the suggestion! We will certainly do our best to tackle that comparison for you. :)

[@iSyotos]

@@MerriamPianos awesome, looking forward to it! Really think it's one that many digital piano enthusiasts would love! Let Stue know that he's the man!

[@sigma_z]

Kawai for the win. Just the keybed being longer makes such a huge difference. As someone used to performing and playing on Steinway Concert Ds and trying the Yamaha Grand piano action, I was very disappointed. I couldn't get myself to buy it. But now with the Kawai... I might have just found the perfect digital piano. Thank you for the review!

[@MerriamPianos]

You're very welcome! The Millennium III Grand Hybrid action on the NV10S is exceptional and offers the longest pivot length (that I am aware of) on the market in a digital form. It is a dream to play on. :)

[@sigma_z]

@@MerriamPianos the key action is so important to me. Being classically trained has ruined me for so to speak, I'm so picky now. How does the Kawai key action compare to a Steinway D to you if I may ask? Thank you 🙏🏼

[@BFHPET]

exactly yamaha seems to cheap out many places

[@djshmul1]

​@@BFHPETnot cheap it's just Yamaha copying baby grands action while Kawai a nine foot Grand

[@BFHPET]

@@djshmul1 what do you mean

[@thegood9]

i need fast repetition, like a fine grand with repetition springs to return the key back to "normal" as fast as possible. Do either of these have that capability? nvm! you answered that! Thank you thank you thank you for being one to FINALLY demo this!!!! I'll be ordering for our move ASAP!

[@MerriamPianos]

You're very welcome! The NV10S is a full acoustic grand piano action (with a few tweaks such as the carbon-fibre hammers, which are used for better tracking by the optical sensor system). As a result, the repetition speed is very fast and the level of control is exceptional. :)

[@thegood9]

@@MerriamPianos it certainly appears that way. After living with a 7 foot grand my whole life (a Grotrian), now after downsizing, i've been forced to find something with a smaller footprint. I've had no trouble finding decent enough sounds via Ivory and Pianoteq, and even a Kawai MP11, but I've simply not found an action anywhere CLOSE to that of a real grand...until now, it seems.

[@shsu7426]

Thank you do much for this comparison video! Could you please make one to compare Kawai GL10 ATX4 with the NV10S? Would GL10ATX4 last longer due to it being primarily an acoustic piano and have fewer electrical parts than NV10S? Thank you!

[@MerriamPianos]

You're very welcome! Thank you for tuning in and making the suggestion! We will do our best to tackle a GL10 ATX4 versus NV10S comparison video. With that said, the GL10 ATX4 option has the potential to last longer in the sense that acoustic grand pianos typically have a lifespan of 40-60 years (potentially more if well maintained). So, from that perspective, it is likely that the GL10 ATX4 will have more longevity. Even if its digital system failed down the road, the instrument would still be viable as an acoustic grand piano. :)

[@jpdurr]

Great Video, now how about showing some love to some other great makers of Digital Pianos, comparing the flagship upright models of the Casio Celviano GP-510BK up with the Roland LX-9? Maybe they are not "Direct Competitors" of your current two selections but they are very nice actions and represent another big part of the market.

[@MerriamPianos]

I think a GP510 and LX9 video comparison would be quite exciting! Thanks for the suggestion. We will do our best to tackle that. :)

[@mickandrews9458]

Many thanks for this much anticipated comparison. On listening (using Audio Technica studio headphones) to the audio out of the two instruments, the Kawai sounded warmer, certainly in the bass (though not in a bad way). However, when listening via their speakers towards the end of your video, the difference between the two was considerable. The Kawai to me had more treble, but less bass; maybe it was clearer too. I don't want to say it was brighter as that suggests it was bright, but I think I want to say it sounded like the equalisation curve (of which there wasn't any applied) was different. It is hard to put into words, but I would say the Kawai on the video sounded preferable to me through the speakers than the Yamaha. No doubt it would be different listening in person and hence, again, the need to try pianos out, whether acoustic or digital. As an aside, any intention to review the new Schimmel C121 and compare with the C Bechstein A120? Thanks again.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks for tuning in and sharing your thoughts between these two fantastic digital hybrids! I definitely agree with your comments on the NV10S' tone. It is a very well balanced tone with warmth, depth, and nuance. It is a very tough piano to compete with! Also, thanks for your suggestion. Do you mean the new C. Bechstein A4 model (120 cm height)? We will do our best to tackle that comparison for you. In either case, it is very likely that review videos of each model will be coming out in the future. :)

[@mickandrews9458]

@@MerriamPianos Yes, the A4. There seems to be different model names for the same piano. I am wondering whether one might wish to choose a piano based upon one's repertoire. So someone playing music with a delicacy of touch and intricacy of a Chopin composition might choose a different instrument to someone playing Beethoven sonatas. Maybe digital pianos, at least from a sound perspective, have the advantage over acoustics in this regard in so far as the choices of piano sound that can be selected? Going back to the acoustic reviews, perhaps also worth considering is how say a Bechstein C118, albeit a smaller instrument, may be a better purchase for the home (as opposed to hall) than say a larger A124, in that the loudness of the larger piano is unnecessary in a home. In other words, use the money on a better smaller model than a lesser (though the Academys are obviously very good anyway) larger model; but how would the smaller instrument lose out in regards to the depth of the bass notes? Just an idea.

[@Dognacity]

Thx Stu, you’re the best reviewer to my tastes. Sorry I don’t live in Canada. People talk about getting the 20s for less than 14k US. Is that actually possible? Thomann in Europe sells it for under 10k. Obviously a lot of margin here.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent here! Thanks for tuning in! We appreciate it. The prices do vary from market to market. Unfortunately, we don't have much information on pricing in other markets, but, perhaps, some of our helpful community members can chime in with more info. :)

[@brickmissing8295]

I was fortunate enough to audition the N1X against the NV10 at Bonners in the UK. For me the key action on the NV10 was way better - N1X felt a bit spongy and dull, NV10 was super finely balanced. No contest. However the NV10 is not perfect: annoyances include the 22 second bootup time, the inability to transpose or apply reverb in Pianist mode, the inability to view and edit the settings of a saved ‘favourite’ - making it impossible to refine your settings over time. The generally slow, laggy and poorly designed touch interface. Lack of a USB audio interface making connection of midi and audio to a laptop difficult and subject to ground loop noise. But apart from those annoyances - I’m generally happy with it.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for tuning in and sharing your insights! We appreciate it. :) The NV10 and NV10S definitely have an amazing and responsive touch. The optical sensor system also provides wonderful tracking of a performer's expression and nuance. The touch screen and startup is a little on the slow side, but, given that it is intended to be a home-use instrument opposed to a stage piano for performance, that should only be a minor setback. It does take a little bit of time to get used to the navigation and feature access on any digital piano, but, within a session or two, most people find the NV10S to be quite user-friendly. Thanks again for tuning in and happy playing!

[@xingyuanlee8646]

I owned a Kawai NV10s for a year and a little more. The two strange things about the volume of the NV10S that I own are: 1. Its general initial volume decreases as hours pass by in comparison when it's first turned on. (E.g. 100% of desired volume decreases to around 80%-90% general volume after 2-3 hours later) 2. If you played on any keys or stepped one of the pedals while the NV10s is still loading to start, the volume is softer than when you wait patiently for full loaded start. It could be only the NV10s that I owned. Hopefully yours would maintain the same volume throughout. That's just the little perks that I have. Otherwise, NV10s is one of the good decisions made so far.

[@Jungfungyan]

I have the Yamaha’s 1st generation. Every time I play pieces involving octave touch such as Mozart’s Turkish March, I can feel and hear clearly my finger has reached the bottom of the keyboard. It comes out wood bouncing sound in additional to the octave musical sound. I will go for Kawai for sure to trade in my current Yamaha. I called and emailed the dealer and they did not even bother to send someone to check it out. I have had enough!

[@FingersKungfu]

Would you mind telling me how much does it cost in the UK?

[@aaabbb-py5xd]

You're speaking of nv10 while this video is for nv10s, hopefully the s version addressed some of your complaints

[@ciarel]

6:54 Classic Stu here 😀🎶

[@MerriamPianos]

:)

[@zaheedhasib]

Was considering either of the two and then I played Kawai K800, case closed. The competition between an acoustic and a digital is not even close. I understand the convenience factor but real pianos are just that, real.

[@MerriamPianos]

The K800 is a magical piano! Even the very best digital and hybrid pianos are emulations of the 'real thing.' With that said, there are customers in situations that absolutely require the use of a digital/hybrid instrument (e.g. condo/apartment living, etc.).

[@carlosvaquerofoto]

Hey Stu, could you do a yamaha nu1xa vs kawai nv5s? It would be wonderful?!?

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent here! Thanks for the suggestion! We will do our best to tackle that comparison for you if the opportunity presents. :)

[@user-dz7nd2un7c]

Thank you for nice comparison! from Japan. If possibke, could you share name of tune, he played in impression?

[@MerriamPianos]

You're very welcome! Thanks for tuning in! I am not sure what piece Stu is playing, but he does tend to improvise a lot for these videos. ;)

[@tbip2001]

I owned a high end upright digital Kawai . An old model now but had wooden keys , full cabinet and vibrating soundboard. It was a real eye opener. I could never go back to yamaha or other pianos. They key feel and sound were far closer to that of an acoustic piano. When i went to my brother high end yamaha it was like playing in pudding . 😂

[@MerriamPianos]

The technology that Kawai has implemented in their high-end digital and hybrid instruments is immense and definitely tough to compete with. For me, the soundboard system is a real game changer on the sonic front. It impressively captures the nuance and detail of an acoustic piano quite authentically. :)

[@Instrumental-Covers]

Here are some technical issues on the line-out and headphone samples, as well as the speaker system: 1) Yamaha has 4 separate channels of piano recording called "Spatial Acoustic Sampling" and 4 separate channels of speakers/amplifiers called "Spatial Acoustic Speaker System". Each one of the original 4 microphone recordings is sent to a dedicated speaker and amplifier. So, the N1X speaker system is a quadraphonic sound. 2) Kawai has 5 separate channels of piano recording. However, they mix those recordings down to two (Stereo, left and right). So, the NV10S speaker system is essentially a two-channel stereo. Yamaha will offer more spatial cues in the sound field it creates via its speaker system because each speaker is playing a different channel. Kawai has four top speakers rather than three, but it is not quantity what matters here: if you look at the wiring inside a NV10S, the speakers are connected in parallel reproducing the same two-channel stereo sound (left and right). There is the issue of comb filtering when you have two speakers at close range reproducing the same sound. To get around the issue they designed the 4 speakers on top with different impedances, which will make the back speakers (I believe they are 24 ohms) play at 3 decibels less volume than the front speakers (I believe they are 12 ohms). While this doesn't eliminate the issue completely, it should address it partially. Interesting fact: a 12 ohm speaker and a 24 ohm speaker in parallel represent an 8-ohm load for the amplifier, which is a standard load. 3) Yamaha has two different samples for line-out and headphones. You can't get the 4 channels in the line-out, so the sound you hear in this video is not what the speaker system would do in person. The headphones use a different sample called "Binaural Sampling". They place a dummy head with microphones where the player sits. The result is a realistic emulation of the piano sound when using headphones. 4) Yamaha has a large sound bar below the piano with larger speakers: two 13 cm full range drivers and one 16 cm woofer. If I remember correctly, the 13 cm speakers face different sides: one faces the front while the other faces the back of the piano, and the woofer fires down. This allows the Yamaha to have sound behind the piano, which the Kawai doesn't produce. There is no sound produced on the back of the NV10S. 5) Kawai only produces sound mainly on top. The woofer on the bottom is dedicated mainly to the lower frequencies. Yamaha offers a more balanced sound because there are speakers firing up as well as firing sideways (13 cm speakers facing front and back) and down. I think Yamaha focus a bit more on the headphone sample and a more elaborate speaker system (quadraphonic), while Kawai offers more flexibility in their samples, extra voices, and tone generator parameters. It is probably a matter of personal preference, particularly at this price range. You can't go wrong with either model.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks for the detailed insights! I certainly agree with the notion that you really can't go wrong with these two powerhouse hybrids. The touch, tone, and sound fidelity categories are all very well accounted for with both models. At the end of the day, they offer something a little different musically. The choice will ultimately come down to the musical preferences of the player as it always does. :)

[@JoeLinux2000]

For some reason when Stu switched over to the Yamaha, I really liked the tone. Both sound very nice, but not necessarily better than my DGX/Pianoteq hybrid which is sounding exceptionally;y nice in its latest configuration which is essentially Pianoteq going into the Yamaha's amplification system through the USB cable. Additionally, computer speakers are added from the Yamaha's headphone out jack. Both sets of speakers play both pianos. The small woofer of the computer set adds a little mellowness and depth to the bass notes however the system sounds quite good just through the Yamaha DGX speakers alone. There is lettle need or benefit from the extra speakers. I still claim no digital piano on the showroom floor sounds better than what I'm playing now at a fairly low overall cost. I can't see putting a lot of money into a complicated action which would be only marginally better, if at all, unless you play at the Cateen or Yuja Wang level.

[@Instrumental-Covers]

@@MerriamPianos Thanks for the feedback! :)

[@mfurman]

Instrumental Covers, I am always fascinated by your deep knowledge of the high end digital pianos that you may not even perhaps intend to buy. As you pointed out some time ago, you play with ease on any piano regardless of its action

[@Instrumental-Covers]

@@JoeLinux2000 Hi! I haven't done speaker tests in a while, but I remember taking the DGX-670 line out and playing with an additional set of small speakers placed around 3-4 feet from the built-in speakers. It did create a much better 3D sound. I wouldn't say it necessarily sounded better, but it did sound more realistic because of the extra sense of spatial effect.

[@TheSunlex]

Thx 4 comparison! 👍 PS: Is this Elvis (picture) left at the wall?

[@MerriamPianos]

You're welcome! It is actually a picture of Freddie Mercury from Queen! :)

[@JoeLinux2000]

Both instruments are out of my price range. I'm still being driven nuts by the kludgy interface of the Yamaha DGX. Your playing on the Kawai is exquisite and very sensitive. The piano has a lovely tone.

[@JoeLinux2000]

More wonderful playing on the Yamaha which is equally impressive in tone which is reminiscent in character of a very exotic sexy woman. I like its color very much.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks for tuning in! These are two heavy hitters to say the least. They provide the type of musical experience that will make you forget you're even playing a 'digital' piano. :)

[@Zoco101]

Wow, I've never heard that interesting adjective before. KLUDGY interface. Yes I like it!

[@Glenowan]

Here's hoping to get double bonus next year so that it is easy to justify the owning of NV10S

[@MerriamPianos]

My fingers are crossed for you! The NV10S is exceptional! :)

[@southpark4151]

7:19 - nice mix of angels we have heard on high and god save the queen.

[@MerriamPianos]

Very astute observation! ;)

[@southpark4151]

@@MerriamPianos Your instrument views are all excellent Stu. I really enjoyed every one that I have seen. You're an excellent musical ambassador, and excellent role model. Thanks for making every one of those videos. You have an amazing 'ear', and amazing musical skills/experience, excellent communications skills, and great demeanor. Best regards.

[@Teddy-be1wv]

I played NV10s and felt the touch different(NV10S more tight touch), though both NV10 and NV10s are the same key action, MIII key system. Does anyone play NV10s and NV10 and have the same thought about the different touch?

[@MerriamPianos]

While the NV10 and NV10S both use the same core Millennium III Hybrid Grand action, it is not uncommon for manufacturers, including Kawai, to make slight tweaks and revisions to the actions. A good example of this is the new iteration of the RHC (ES120) and RH3 (CN201/CN301) actions, which have additional cushioning from the previous versions of that action. Furthermore, adjustments to the default tone engine settings, including touch curve, could impact the perceptual feel of the action. Thanks and hope this helps! :)

[@dylancross6145]

What was it you were playing when demonstrating the piano sound on the NV10S?

[@MerriamPianos]

I'd have to check with Stu on that! Thanks so much for tuning in! :)

[@ZengHuaXiansheng]

I’d definitely prefer the Kawai. Is it possible to connect it to a computer via USB MIDI? And I’m currently learning the waltz you played in the video! 😄 It’s actually not that difficult but since I always learn to play everything by heart it’s a lot to remember.

[@MerriamPianos]

Yup! You can connect to a computer via a USB or MIDI connection. The NV10S has both connectivity options! And best of luck with learning the piece. :)

[@ZengHuaXiansheng]

@@MerriamPianos Thank you very much! 😊

[@flappybird315]

Could you record some chopin for us? You played that beautifully.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent here! I will certainly pass on the suggestion to Stu and our production team. :)

[@DanielPMBA]

Stu, some people commented in other vids that sympathetic resonance isn't real on the NV10S that the N1X does because there is an extra sensor below the key on the N1X. Have you observed that as an issue or not really?

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi Daniel! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for writing in with your question! At the end of the day, no sympathetic resonance is "real" on a digital piano. It is a simulation of an acoustic phenomenon that occurs naturally within an acoustic piano. Furthermore, sympathetic resonance is something that would be processed via the tone engine and not the MIDI signal. So, while it may be possible for the tone engine to trigger the effect based on one of the MIDI events captured by the sensor system, the MIDI data and sensor system itself will likely have a much lesser impact than one may think in this case. With that said, the NV10 (predecessor to the NV10S) did have a firmware update at one point that compromised the sympathetic resonance emulation. This is going back many years now (when the NV10 was initially released). The new NV10S is a far more refined instrument and executes these details and nuances far better than and more authentically than its predecessor.

[@rubenreal3]

The touch of the action of the Kawai in your opinión it’s more or less the same action of the Kawai gx3? Gx5?

[@MerriamPianos]

It is quite comparable to the GX2/GX3 in terms of pivot length, but there are some different design elements in the NV10S' Millennium III action, such as the use of carbon fibre hammers, which the optical sensor system is able to track better.

[@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12]

I feel that should be a Yamaha N3X there. Will watch later can't wate🎹🎶

[@MerriamPianos]

Hopefully, we'll be able to tackle more comparison videos against other models in the line. ;)

[@khuoh]

Pricewise this is the most valid Yamaha Kawai comparison. The N3X is nice though!

[@musiclove5908]

Please compare feeling N3x vs Nv10s. Thank

[@MerriamPianos]

We will do our best to tackle that comparison for you! Thank you kindly for the suggestion! :)

[@khuoh]

Just got NV10s. Tech superior to N1X and to my fingers, NV10s action much better too.the price was about $1k more for the Kawai.

[@MerriamPianos]

Congrats on your new NV10S! It is an amazing instrument on all fronts! Great touch. Great sound. Great musical experience. :)

[@albismusic270]

As always, a fantastic comparison test. But you forgot to mention one important difference: The Yamaha has two sampled pianos in it (Bösendorfer and Yamaha).

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks for tuning in! We really appreciate it! And thank you for pointing that out. :)

[@zvelekva]

@@MerriamPianos Hi. Thanks for this! I've really been struggling with my NV10S speaker sound. In fact, your recording at the end of the speaker demo it looks like the top end harshness (which makes it sound digital and unnatural) is a real thing and not just me/my piano. Stu mentioned he does something to alleviate this, some E.Q. or such. Could you please ask him if he could give you the settings he used to improve the situation? Also, could you ask him if he could notice the same issue on the NV10, because so far every demo of the NV10 I've heard, to me it sounds better/more realistic than my S. I know they increased the size of the subwoofer on the NV10S, but if anything that should make it sound a lot better, not worse...right? Finally, if ultimately I can't get to a point where I'm satisfied with the speaker sound, I am considering a set of high quality studio monitors by ADAM Audio, connected to the line outs and placed behind the piano like on a classic VST set up. Is this a good idea/would it work considering the NV10S' full size grand piano type music rest? Thank you!

[@JoeLinux2000]

@@zvelekva It takes quite a bit of time and experimentation to work up a good digital sound. I think Stu said he may have chosen a more "mellow" or warmer piano voice. I'm not sure, but getting a treble section that sings yet doesn't stick out like a sore thumb is probably the last section to come in. Often it can be too bright and harsh or dull and clunky. Stretching the tuning could help. Rather than adding speakers, I think you should experiment with putting some felt cloth over what you have, or continuing to work with the EQ. You could be bouncing the sound off a hard wall or floor. Just putting a blanket on the wall or a carpet on a hard floor could make a big difference. Keep working with it. Eventually it will come in if it's anything like my DGX which is a low tier offering. Adding a Pianoteq voice could give your instrument more realistic presence. I like the treble on their Petrof Mistral classical recording grand which I combine with the Yamaha CFX or "Warm Grand". Even adding a Rhodes voice subtly underneath could make a difference in getting the treble to sing better.

[@zvelekva]

@@JoeLinux2000 Thank you, that's a plethora of ideas/options, much appreciated. Would you advise against getting some decent monitors if all else fails (was considering a pair of ADAM T7Vs)?

[@JoeLinux2000]

@@zvelekva It definitely would be an option. Certain speakers have different characteristics. Honestly from a point of cost, it might be more prudent to just add Pianoteq. If the two pianos will sound in unison with no latency in the attack. You could test that for free with Pianoteq's demo. Some notes are disabled and it only runs for 20 minutes or so but it would give you an idea if you like the sound or not. I'm running an extra set of speakers on my DGX, but they were only around $75.00. I think the internal speakers inside the DGX are pretty good. I imagine the speakers inside the Kawa are good. From my limited experience the treble section is the most difficult to get to sound genuinely pleasant. This is true even on acoustic grands. I no nothing about the adjustments on a NV10s. Stu says the NV10s treble is a bit thin. I really think you should be able to tweak it into something that is "good enough." Experiment with the reverb, room ambiance and so forth. I think I mentioned stretch tuning before. If you can sharpen the treble slightly it can improve the singing quality. test the treble notes that are bugging you against a a 5th two octaves below. check it as a 3rd two octaves a lower note., and check it against the octave two or three octaves below. Stu is saying he has to tweak the treble on the Kawai. All I know is that on digital pianos the treble notes can be too biting and irritating, or they can be kind of dead, clunky, and give the impression sounding flat. You are probably looking for for more life with a pleasant bell like singing tone. Does the NV10s have other piano voices that can be layered underneath? Adding a bit of Rhodes piano to the mix geneerallyh will provide a more bell like character. I spent over a year working up the sound on my DGX/Pianoteq. When I test pianos out at the showroom there are only a few that sound as good as what I'm playing at home. It just takes time and experimentation. Also I can take my piano to someone else's house, and it doesn't sound as good. You have to tune your piano to your room.

[@gcfko]

From what I can tell and experienced, I feel like Yamaha will play how you want it to be played, not too interesting, but the Kawai is much more colourful and has life to the instrument. N1X is the only Yamaha I liked out of all their digitals, haven't tried the N3X, did not like the NU1X. But I like the Kawai SK EX much more.

[@MerriamPianos]

The NV10S' action is very tough to compete with. That combined with the stellar SKEX samples makes it a really magical instrument to play. It is the type of digital instrument that will make you forget you're playing a "digital" instrument in the first place. :)

[@OferTaOrYT]

Hello Stu. I purchased the NV10s about 4 months ago. I am extermely disappointed by the Sound of the loudspeakers and I am very happy with the sound in earphones. I would like very much to hear your take on this matter.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! I am sorry to hear that you are disappointed with the speaker sound. In my experiences, the NV10S has an exceptionally detailed and high-fidelity sound through its onboard speakers. Does the piano not sound the same way it did at the showroom?

[@OferTaOrYT]

@@MerriamPianos I never heard it at a showroom. I based my choice on youtube reviews. There was no option to hear this piano in my country, simply because no showroom had it. I would like to mention though, that the sound through my earphones is very satisfying.

[@JoeLinux2000]

All I can say is that electronics play a huge part in electronic instruments. After living with the Yamaha DGX for over a year, , when combined with Pianoteq it's the best sounding piano I have ever played, yet I hate the thing because of its kludgy software. Another issue Stu should be covering is whether or not the firmware can be updated on the pianos he is reviewing. I'm fully convinced the software on the Yamaha DGX-670 was never actually finished. It's loaded with a massive amount of bugs that you don't become aware of until you have worked with it for an extended period of time, but as far as I know the firmware cannot be updated which is a shame.

[@OferTaOrYT]

@@JoeLinux2000 Thank you for sharing your experience. I would like to add though that the Kawai NV10s is not free of annoying bugs either

[@yiluis1316]

I personally really like the SK EX - Jazz profile. I feel It fixes some tonality problems from the normal classic profile that the default sound has.

[@vincereidroc728]

What song do you play? It will be nice to point this out....

[@MerriamPianos]

I would have to check with Stu as to what piece he is playing, but thank you for the suggestion! That would be relevant info to include. :)

[@Halo27_XD]

Hello, can you try the mustar musical keyboard with 61 illuminated keys ? Please 🤙

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Thanks for the suggestion! While we primarily deal with 88 note fully-weighted pianos on the channel, I will add your suggestion to the list and we will do our best to tackle it. :)

[@Halo27_XD]

Thank you, I hope your review is good

[@M3_T3]

Hey Stu, I've an important question. So, I was told by my local dealer verbatim, "I would most strongly advise against buying one, as the action in the NV10s needs to be periodically fettled to allow for wear, however no piano technician will work on a hybrid piano, and no electronic engineer knows how to set up a grand piano action". I wanted to know your thoughts on that, and if that's actually true, and if that's really something I need to worry about, as this has made me quite wary.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Was this communicated to you by a Kawai dealer? If so, that is very peculiar indeed. I am guessing the dealer you spoke to is not a Kawai dealer and this was a message that they use to deter people from purchasing the NV10S in favour one of the lines/models they carry. In any case, Kawai's warranty support is fantastic in our experiences! We have never had an issue with finding technicians to service NV5S or NV10S units. Furthermore, even for customers that are in more remote areas in which experienced technicians were not available, they were able to find solutions by having technicians travel substantial distances to facilitate the repair. The Kawai NV10S is an amazing instrument with one of the nicest actions you will find in any digital piano, so it should certainly be considered in my opinion. :)

[@M3_T3]

@@MerriamPianos Thanks so much for your reply! Now, here's the issue, right. I've been to his shop, and I've been speaking to him for 2 weeks now, and he's very clearly a huge Kawai fan, on top of being an actual Kawai dealer. Now, the piano itself I know is fantastic, I have tried the GL10 and since it uses the same action, I feel I'll be more than satisfied. Sounds great too from what I've heard. So is it true that the keys on the NV10s need to be maintained by a technician every so often, like an acoustic? And if so, how would I know that I would need to have that done? Are there any warning signs to look out for or?

[@MerriamPianos]

​@@M3_T3 So there's an important distinction between the NV10 and an acoustic in terms of the need for regulation. On the surface, both would seem like they'd need an equal amount of regulation over time, since they're both fundamentally the same design and parts, and subject to the same wear and tear. HOWEVER, in practice, the NV10 is going to require much less regulation...or I should say fewer times...than an acoustic, and this is my logic: On an acoustic piano, the smallest change to the angle of the shank, how good the string/hammer levelling is, blow distance, key depth will affect the tone and feel. This is because the hammer must hit the string perfectly to product the optimal sound, and that point of contact must occur in exactly the right point in the mechanical cycle to 'feel' right. With the NV10, there's no 'contact' with a string per se, it's a faux hammer crossing an optical beam. It becomes far less critical for that hammer to be perfectly aligned, so even if at some point the action does need to be regulated (and I'm anticipating that they will), it will need to occur far less frequently. More specifically, if the hammer on an acoutic grand became slightly offset in any direction by as little as .5mm, it could have a major impact on tone. The same shift in an NV10 would likely have no impact whatsoever on the playing experience. Additionally, I've taken an NV10 apart myself and it's easy to access and once open, the action is no different to regulate than an acoustic. It's not surprising that there are technicians who are hesitant or intimidated to engage with hybrid actions for a wide range of reasons... they are concerned about damaging the instrument due to lack of experience, they don't know what the regulation geometry is and don't want to leave the piano unplayable, and perhaps a subconscious reservation about encouraging the evolution of pianos entirely into a post-acoustic era (something I doubt is ever going to happen btw), or even just enabling a new kind of instrument they don't understand as well into their marketplace. One aspect that the dealer may not be discussing (or perhaps they have) is that wait times on an NV10 are significantly longer than GL10s, so the dealer may be trying to save you (or themselves) the pain of a long backorder time. That might sound like a lack of transparency or good faith on the part of the dealer, but believe me there's nothing worse than a customer who is super excited about a piano, giving them your best estimate for a backorder ETA, and then having that expectation breached over and over and over again, to the point that the customer no longer wants the piano, distrusts the manufacture, and blames you for the whole thing. Been there, done that. Thanks for the great questions, and good luck with the decision! - Stu

[@instrujam]

In England/UK both of these are selling around the same price, within $1,000 USD. £7,000/$9,000 for the Yamaha N1x, and £7.850/$10,000 for the Kawai NV10s. Their UK RRP is even closer, within £100/$130 but the Yamaha is more heavily discounted. This might be because the Yamaha model has been around for longer, and now has to compete with the Kawai.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks for sharing those insights! The price gap does vary from market to market quite significantly in some cases. While it is a matter of subjectivity, I personally think the NV10S is a far more advanced piano that provides a far superior musical experience.

[@djshmul1]

Why would you think the Yamaha discontinued ? Only the N series without X . n1x nu1x and n3x it's updated one's , so there no information there are discontinued

[@instrujam]

@@djshmul1 Thanks for engaging with this comment. Not sure if you'd misread "discounted" as "discontinued" but these two words have a different meaning in this context. By the way, Yamaha have just released the NU1XA, so I wonder if there might be an N1XA in the works too based on the RFID sensor technology (instead of optical). Interesting times! 😃

[@garymcaleer6112]

Based on your video samples, Roland GP3's emulating the Steinway is to my ear the best and most acoustically natural sound, even more than the GP9. That's the unit I will buy if and when I get the money. These two instruments here have the traditional digital sawtooth that has a brittle quality to it.

[@MerriamPianos]

The GP3 is a fantastic choice! And the SuperNATURAL tone engine is fantastic. Some players will certainly favour it over the modelling based engines. Thanks again and happy playing! :)

[@user-kz6ew3if3c]

As always, a very good and competent comparison. I've been rehearsing both instruments for the last few weeks. The sound systems of both instruments are disappointing. A "real" piano played for comparison at less than half the price of the N1X sounded significantly better. The interface of the Yamaha is outdated compared to the Kawai. Kawai's customer care is poor. Half a year after I bought my NV5, the new model arrived. Since then there have been no more updates and most of the new apps only work with the new S models. The headphone sounds from the NV5 are just awful. I previously had a Yamaha P515 and its headphone sounds are classes better. I have a problem with all these expensive hybrid pianos - there are no updates for the sounds. With such expensive instruments, there should also be a modular, exchangeable hardware module in order to be able to adapt it to technical developments if necessary. The dealer (GER) told us that there should be a new N1x model in the course of the year. However, Yamaha will change its sales policy to eliminate e-commerce. The instruments are only sold through authorized sales outlets. The instruments are only sold directly by Yamaha, the "dealer" is only an intermediary in the purchase. There should also be fixed and higher prices set by Yamaha.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks! We appreciate you tuning in and sharing your thoughts. While the N1X and NV10S are exceptional hybrids (especially the NV10S in my opinion given its remarkable touch), even the best digital/hybrid pianos are emulations of the real thing. For some players, nothing will ever compare to the sound and feel of real piano strings and a real soundboard vibrating. Best of luck with your decision making process! :)

[@calumjones]

If an acoustic piano is an option for you, you could get a true hybrid like the Aures 2 or Transacoustic Yamahas... Pure digital is typically for people who can't have acoustic due to living in an apartment, or terraced housing, semi detached, etc.

[@vegai]

Having a touch screen or any kind of fixed screen interface in an instrument of this calibre seems like huge a minus.

[@MerriamPianos]

Most options that have a touchscreen interface also have an accompanying app option that will allow you to make changes from your device.

[@george0t]

Have you done a review of the Yamaha NU1X?

[@MerriamPianos]

We have not! We will certainly do our best to tackle that model in the near future though. :)

[@george0t]

@@MerriamPianos It would also be nice to see it compared against the Kawai NV5s and perhaps the Casio GP-510.

[@george0t]

​​@@MerriamPianosNow that the NU1XA has been released, you can skip ahead... Assuming you can get your hands on the new model.

[@lefauxpas]

Do you guys sell Clavinovas? If so I’m surprised you have not done a review/comparison of any of them. That said I enjoy and appreciate your videos. I’m likely going to buy a CLP745 or 775. Thought about a Kawai, but it seems like they have more reliability issues, at least with their digital keyboards. Might not be true of their hybrids. Of course they build great sounding instruments. I have an Yamaha MX88 which is great, but I want a more piano like experience. Hence the Clavinovas. Can’t quite spring for a hybrid, but I played a Yamaha NU1X was impressed with it. But I was also very impressed with the 745 and 775.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! We are not a direct Yamaha dealer, but we do refer people to Yamaha retail outlets in all markets (including ours) at least at this time. However we do access new and used Yamaha models when there's an exciting model or comparison that our community really wants to see. We'll definitely look into some CLP745/775 options! Regarding the new Kawai CA and NV hybrid models, we've found the reliability to be excellent and have heard nothing but positive feedback from the user community. Thanks!!

[@lefauxpas]

@@MerriamPianos oh, ok, I just see you guys reviewing Yamaha keyboards. Thanks for the update!

[@lefauxpas]

@@MerriamPianos one other note, you guys do some of the best reviews on YT. Thanks. Oh yeah, one more thing, my BIL is a salesperson at a large Yamaha dealer, so deal wise 😁 that has some impact on what I buy lol. That said though, I wouldn’t buy anything if I didn’t really like it.

[@djshmul1]

we'll both are good , but of course there's a different in tone , but for me personally Yamaha's low end and high notes sounded more clear , bass crispy and high octave is more clear and presence on the other hand Kawai has more bass but in the end of the video Yamaha won for me, thank you for this great video

[@MerriamPianos]

You're very welcome! Thanks for tuning in! Both of these pianos are excellent instruments of course. They simply offer a different musical flavour. One thing to consider as well though is the action. That is why it is important to audition these pianos in person whenever possible. :)

[@reveme]

😮 The kawai at the end of the video sounds so much better… night and day

[@MerriamPianos]

The combination of Kawai's SK-EX Rendering and amazing speaker array on the NV10S really does put it in a league of its own in my opinion. :)

[@Dognacity]

Lol, why are you wearing headphones throughout, Stu? You’re still the best at this piano stuff, however.🙏

[@MerriamPianos]

Sometimes, these videos are shot while the showroom is open and actively being shopped by customers. I believe that is why Stu is wearing headphones throughout in this case. That way, he can monitor his own playing and the sound of each instrument without disturbing other customers in the showroom auditioning other instruments. Thanks for tuning in!

[@WorstSanta]

Yamaha sounds not as natural as Kawai. But the peeling off label on Kawai looks soooo cheap! Thanks for the video, guys!

[@namakudamono]

That's a protective cover.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

I don't agree on the Yamaha not sounding as natural. There are a lot of Yamaha CX's at venues, C6X, C7X, and C3X, and a lot of those piano's fundamental sounds are represented in this piano. It doesn't sound like the CFX as much because the CFX has so many different characters per touch. But I think the Shigeru would be the same. The Shigeru SK-7 is much richer sounding than the Novus and has more character touches (colors).

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi Egor! Brent from Merriam Music here! I believe you are referring to the protective cover over the Kawai name. They put that on prior to shipping the instrument to protect the logo. The customer is able to remove it once they receive the piano in their home. We keep them on the floor models because, every now and then, we do sell those floor models to customers. As such, we want to ensure that the piano is sold in as new of a condition as possible. :)

[@WorstSanta]

I got it, Brent, makes sense indeed. Thanks for the clarification!

[@BensMusicDojo]

If I had the money for one of these, I would imagine I’d have the money for a real grand piano, and a house with room for that real grand piano, and room for a nice portable slab hooked up to studio monitors

[@MerriamPianos]

There are some situations (e.g. apartments, condos, etc.) in which a fully-digital instrument is required. These models are designed for advanced and high-level players that require the best possible playing experience in a digital form. :)

[@gustavogo2915]

That’s what I did. I got a brand new Kawai GL10 a year ago for 10,000 delivered to give company to my digital Yamaha P515. I added another digital (CasioGP510) to my collection a few days ago (lovely action) and put a deposit for a new Kawai GL30 to get into their Japanese made grands while getting full trade in for my GL10

[@gustavogo2915]

@@MerriamPianos I live in a small apartment (900sqFt) and got a brand new Kawai GL10 a year ago to give company to my digital YamahaP515. Love the Kawai GL10 so much I just put a deposit for a new Kawai GL30. I would love a GX1 but it’s too expensive at that point. No one ever complained and I play till midnight some days.

[@angelvoicemusic]

Interesting, I like more the Yamaha Sound, obviousely the KAWAI Keyboard is better. One thing that I miss in your videos is the aspect, if these pianos are good in playing software instruments. As a professional producer of piano tracks I'm very interested in finding out, what solution ist the best to have a fantastic grand piano key feel and at the same time a best possible true accurate fast MIDI to USB to DAW transportation of the played music. I do research since about 15 years, and what I see is frustrating. I did not investigate every Digital piano including Masterkeyboard controllers, but a lot, and the result till now is, that all those companies exept one are producing big, heavy machines, that are just not usable. They are, how can I say, bad, horrible, rediculous, fighting against your own timing. It's just not possilbe to play precise in time, groovy etc. This only company I found out is ... ROLAND. No wonder. Why does spectrasonics use a ROLAND a-88 to let fantastic artists play their software instruments? I now own two Roland FP90X (much better keybed than the a-88), the best I could find til now. Tomorrow I will sit in my car, drive to a big store in south Germany to find out if the YAMAHA avant grand stuff with optical sensors and also the Roland LX 706 will satisfy me with playing into a DAW. I guess the Yamaha will lose (recently the 785 was SHOCKING bad) the LX 706 could be an better option to the FP90X, because it has longer keys. So, Stu, if you are interested in looking at my studies (Logic Song with MIDI recordings of 8-note chords with many keyboards) , contact me. And I would love to see you talk about the reliability of any digital keyboard sending MIDI information to a DAW. We should know and make aware, that MIDI is serial, not parallel. So it is maybe the absloute wrong sort of connection to transport polyphonic note information. The only way is to make MIIDI to USB electronic as fast as possible. Most, if not all companies have NO idea what that means. Just one example: The KAWAI VPC-1 has one job. Only ONE job: Send the music of a pianist to a DAW. No matter if you use the MIDI output or the USB output, the result is just hopeless, useless, destroying all your rhythmic skills. No joke, I talked to leading KAWAI people. They just don't understand what I'm talking about and try to find dubious and rediculous explanations. I investigated lots of other KAWAIs... no chance. Same with YAMAHA, there is no solution. Roland is the best, but still far away from a real piano. Let's say Roland does 70% of the job. The others 45%. There is a lot of room for improvement. By the way... MIDI 2.0 does not help at all. Nobody needs more than 127 velocity steps. The ROLAND a-88 MK II with MIDI 2.0 is a little bit SLOWER than the older Mk1... so they just don't know what is important.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for tuning into our channel and writing in with your insights regarding the viability of specific models being used as a MIDI controller. As you've pointed out, some digital pianos actions/sensor systems seem to be better at tracking the nuances of a player's performance as well as reducing latency. The Roland sensor systems definitely seem to lend themselves very nicely to use as a MIDI controller as you've discovered. With that said, when it comes to latency, there are a number of the factors to consider, as I'm sure you're aware. The CPU load of a particular VST combined with your specific hardware, software, and configuration settings can also influence the responsiveness, note/velocity tracking, and latency. The good news is that technology is constantly improving, particularly on this front. The tracking on the new GP6 and GP9 models from Roland are exceptional! It is markedly improved from the previous generation GP607 and GP609 models. Also, we appreciate your suggestion. Doing a video that is centred around digital pianos' viability as a MIDI controller would be quite compelling and helpful for many viewers. :)

[@gracelove886]

I definitely prefer ths kawai. I have a Technics which has been with me from new care of my husband. It doesn't owe me anything. I'd love a kawai if i had the money.

[@MerriamPianos]

The Kawai NV10S is a stunning instrument! Fingers crossed that you will be able to get this beautiful hybrid digital piano one day. :)

[@gracelove886]

@@MerriamPianos - Thank you. I hope so too.

[@jpdurr]

Seems Yamaha comes up short in this Head to Head competition (except on price).

[@MerriamPianos]

The NV10S is a more advanced instrument than the N1X in our opinion. But, that is also reflected in the price gap as well of course.

[@illusionyx907]

...what is better Mercedes or BMW similar too...?

[@MerriamPianos]

That is definitely a good analogy! Two excellent options that offer something a little different. At the end of the day, the decision comes down to which one you personally connect with.

[@rolexmarcelo3218]

Too many of kawai's models are not available bummer.

[@MerriamPianos]

Demand is very high, especially in certain markets. But, here in Canada, we are getting a good flow of products from Kawai these days, which has improved wait times. :)

[@Zoco101]

I remember trying the N1 some years ago and being a little disappointed. The speakers seemed muffled, and the price tag too high for the level of pleasure. Fortunately, the N1X does seem much better than the N1, but I'm only listening. Anyway, compared to the NV10S, it's a hard pick. Listening to Stu and others, I sometimes prefer one, sometimes the other. I think I would prefer the NV10S action, but Yamaha sound engines probably suit my jazz playing better. And no, it's not just about basic tone colour or clarity. It's also about when and how the tone changes, and other things too. And do the two manufacturers favour distinctive tuning styles? Seems like it to me. Maybe, if I spend long enough with a good Kawai digital or digital hybrid, I will grow to love playing it as much or more than playing Yamahas, but right now, that is hard to imagine. Here in Europe the NV10S is only about 12% more expensive than the N1X. But they are both much more expensive than the CLP-785, which I enjoyed immensely while trying it briefly last summer.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks for tuning in and sharing your thoughts and experiences! Touch and tone is a highly personal and subjective thing of course and I certainly know what you mean about how the sonic experience goes far beyond just the tone colour. There are certainly some subtle tuning differences from manufacturer to manufacturer. I would certainly encourage you to spend some time on the NV10S if you have the opportunity. I think you'll really enjoy its wonderful action! There is also a lot of tonal adjustment available through the Virtual Technician. Thanks again and happy playing! :)

[@redapproves1330]

am I under a spell? watched this on repeat for 10 minutes 😅

[@MerriamPianos]

Haha that's awesome to hear! Glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@namakudamono]

You watched half of video?

[@redapproves1330]

@@namakudamono I think YT is glitching. I was commenting on a funny YT shorts lol

[@1510km]

in short, the Kawai sounds extremely impressive & the Yamaha sounds like a £200 Casio

[@MerriamPianos]

It is a matter of subjectivity at the end of the day. Different players will gravitate towards different musical experiences. With that said, I personally favour the NV10S too, both in terms of tone and touch. :)

[@smplchmp]

i gotta say, the yamaha sounds much less digital to me. i've had a ca98 for years and enjoy the sk-ex sound; however, i think this yamaha cfx sound is much more realistic. fight me.

[@MerriamPianos]

Tonal preference is a highly-subjective thing. It comes down to a matter of taste ultimately. Thanks for tuning in and sharing your thoughts!

[@smplchmp]

@@MerriamPianos It's very true. It's just interesting to me how my tastes have changed over the recent years. Love your content, thank you!

[@99zxk]

They both sound like cellphone speakers to me 😂

[@MerriamPianos]

By any chance are you listening to the recorded samples on a cell phone? ;)

[@jamesa375]

i pretty much disagree whith the shape of these pianos,more so for the KAWAI than the yamaha.At this level.a baby grand should look and be a baby grand.I think people consider digitals in a shape of a grand piano a gimmick,but actually this is ahuge misconception.IMHO basicaly the sound you get from either an acoustic or adigital,is frome where the sound is created and projected.The acoustic grands sound different than uprights because of where the sound is created and projected.The same is true for digitals.Where you are going to put the speakers and how they will project is IMHO of paramount importance,more so actually than either the action or the sound engine.I think people believe that digitalbaby grands are just a look,but actually its completely not true.The sound you get from speakers in a baby grand is specificaly different from what you get from even the best upright looking cabinet.In this case KAWAI put their speakers in ahorrible box under the piano which negates all the gerat stuff they have in the piano.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and insights. You make some excellent points about the cabinet design's potential impact on the sonic experience that a digital grand provides. A larger digital grand model, like Roland's GP9, provides sufficient space for strategic speaker placements that simulate an acoustic piano's sound production quite impressively. With that said, I have personally found the NV10S' speaker system to do a very effective job on this front as well. In addition to speaker placement, the voicing and frequency response of certain speakers can also help yield that effect you are referring to. At the end of the day, it will all come down to subjectivity and personal opinion of course. Thanks so much for tuning in! We appreciate it. :)

[@jamesa375]

@@MerriamPianos digital pianos have a very long way to go.One cannot compare the digital sound of aGFX or Shigeru KAwai to the real thing unless everything else is equal.I havent seen digital grands with 7foot soundboards and real strings.If we had that then we would be talking getting close to the real thing.KAWAI has done a small but important step with combining digital sound with real pianos.Cheers!

[@au66621]

kawai sounds soo much better

[@MerriamPianos]

The Kawai NV10S is a spectacular piano with one of the finest touches and tones on the market! :)

[@tadl.4196]

Kawai has a very hard , heavy keyboard. Yamaha suits me better.

[@MerriamPianos]

It comes down to a matter of preference of course. Some players will favour a heavier touch, while others will prefer a lighter one. The most important thing is to find a touch that you connect with. :)

[@sonnykhoeblal9473]

The players ear are not at his/her feet :-)

[@MerriamPianos]

Haha that is true! With that said, the position from which sound is originating from does play into the overall sonic experience. :)

[@CMARK-dc6vl]

First🎉

[@MerriamPianos]

Congrats! :)

[@secretmission7607]

Both of these are a pile of poo when compared with any decent piano. That's in terms of their RESPONSE - the way the sound changes in response to different velocities (not to be confused with mechanical qualities).

[@MerriamPianos]

It is a matter of subjectivity and preference of course. Some players only favour playing acoustic instruments, which is totally understandable. There is a magic to real strings and soundboards resonating! With that said, the NV10S in particular has a truly impressive feel. The optical sensor system is also quite remarkable in terms of the level of detail and nuance it is able to capture.

[@JoeLinux2000]

@@MerriamPianos Is the Yamaha optical too? I've thought for many years that a good digital piano would be based on optical sensors. My belief is that it should not be necessary replicate a traditional hammer action exactly. It should be possible to engineer a digital action that is better than a traditional action. For example no one is using wooden skis any longer, or wooden tennis racquets. Nail guns are replacing hammers and individual nails to a great extent. Not many people are interested in wooden boats any longer.

[@Instrumental-Covers]

@@JoeLinux2000 Yes, the N1X has also optical sensors in both the hammers and keys. Furthermore, Yamaha has the Disklavier series, which features a high resolution optical sensor system. The CFX with the Enspire Pro optical sensor system offers 1024 levels of keying velocity, 1024 levels of key release velocity, and 256 levels of incremental pedaling. It is one of the three concert grands permanently housed at the Vienna Symphonic Stage (the same guys that make the VSL software pianos). As you probably know as a Pianoteq user, it is the piano used in international e-competitions.

[@Biozene]

Aggressive acoustic supremacist thinking is odd...

[@secretmission7607]

@@Biozene It would be very odd, yes. On a different matter, my comment refers to the response to differing velocities. This is something that no digital piano has got right yet. It's not because they are digital, by the way! It is usually due to an insufficient number of samples (taken at different velocities) being used per note. Very often, three are used. Just making it 6 would make all the difference and allow precise voicing etc., which is just not doable on presently available models Another little-recognised but actually very common issue is latency. Small, but there. Play either of the models examined, then immediately play a decent acoustic and you'll feel the difference (though latency is often conflated with keyboard weight when such comparisons are done...). Again this is fixable - sample starts need to be trimmed more aggressively and (sometimes) faster processers used. To address your assumption directly. I was simply commenting on what I experience when playing digital pianos. My underlying attitude, however, is pro-technology. I've been professionally involved with music technology for decades, am a professional keyboard (synths etc.) player and a piano teacher too. I wish digital piano manufacturers would build a digital piano that responds properly. The technology to do it has been available for a long time.

[@FingersKungfu]

Btw, how much does the NV10s cost in North America?

[@MerriamPianos]

The NV10S has an MSRP of $18,999 USD. :)

[@FingersKungfu]

@@MerriamPianos thank you for the information. It costs 14,000 usd where I live and I thought that was expensive….

[@gustavogo2915]

@@FingersKungfu you can easily negotiate it down to 10k. I got a brand new Kawai G10 delivered for 10,000 a year ago and I could have gotten this for the same price.