🎹Roland HP704 vs Roland DP603 Digital Piano Comparison & Review - PHA-50 Action, Blutetooth🎹

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[@mfurman]

This is exactly the comparison, I was looking for

[@JoeLinux2000]

So which one do you like?

[@mfurman]

@@JoeLinux2000 I prefer HP704

[@hakandahlberg7670]

I'd like to add a comment on using headphones. I've got the FP704 and the first time that I connected my Bose QC25 with the noice cancelling on and the 3D-ambience on the piano, I thought that I had forgotten to put them on my head. The sound was just amazing and it feels as if it comes from the piano itself. I have no experience with the DP603, but I would expect the sound to be similar. As I play mostly with the headphones on, everytime I take them off and play through the speakers, the piano sounds comparatively dull and mellow. After a while without though, you start to appreciate the sound from the speakers again. The piano is surely a great piece of engineering.

[@waleedsoliman887]

What's the FP704? It's either HP704 or FP701 or RP701

[@erih1704]

From Japan. Thank you for your helpful KZbin! I can understand the difference between DP603 and HP704. I really look forward to getting piano and playing it:-)

[@BEZONANCE]

one of the best comparison videos I have seen! this was very useful, thank you!

[@MerriamPianos]

You're very welcome! We're happy to hear that you found the video useful! :)

[@RobBaartwijk]

We just ordered an HP704. Very useful info. Thanks.

[@aliar11]

I find the music rest on Hp 704 more practical. You can leave your notes on it when you don't play and want to close the lid. On Dp 603, you have to clear the notes before closing the lid.

[@JoeLinux2000]

I thought the same thing.

[@cor3944]

I already ordered a Roland dp 603 and now THIS! You make me doubt…because the 704 have a much better, warmer, more natural sound. (But I would loved it in white polish). Thank you for this great comparison just in time!

[@MerriamPianos]

You're very welcome! We're glad that you found it helpful in deciding between the two models. :)

[@difrint1]

Hey Stu, like everyone else - I really enjoy your playing, especially your subtle, jazzy chord changes. So have you released a video of your playing?

[@yukchiwu9350]

Both have wonderful sound. So impressive.

[@JoeLinux2000]

Your lapel mic was being over-powered by the 603. Since I'm into mellow pianos, I prefer the sound of the HP-704. I'm very tempted to order the Roland FP-90X in lieu of the Yamaha DGX-670. To my ear, Roland has absolutely nailed it with their modeled piano tone. I abandoned my Kawai es920 purchase because I was never convinced of the Kawai's tonal authenticity. I always believed I was listening to a digital piano whereas these Rolands are indistinguishable from good acoustic instruments. All the while I'm still playing the Pianoteq Bluthner driven by a Casio PX-150. This set up sounds lovely with moderately priced Logitec computer speakers. It has a small woofer box with just a 4" speaker inside that points toward the floor. I tried a larger woofer, but it wasn't as good. You need the higher overtones out of the (virtual) bass strings, at higher velocities, for it to sound truly piano like.

[@PrincessAdobo]

THANK YOU, AGAIN! The DP603 would fit in my home better as it’s not as bulky and quite a beautiful design.

[@DouceFrance12]

Je l'ai essayé, le clavier pha50 répond bien il est fluide et pas bruyant, mais moi c'est le meuble qui ne me plais pas avec ses fermoirs en forme de fer à cheval dommage car j'ai peu de place ou je veut le mettre et il irait parfaitement. L'avez vous acheté finalement?

[@mvzanca]

Thanks for comparing pianos from the same brand. I loved the comparison, great job Stub. I just got a Dp-603 with you guys and I am in lov, it is an amazing instrument 😀

[@petermcmurray2807]

Thank you for another thoughtful article. It made me consider my setup. Yes I want the action, the sounds and definitely the midi. I jumped at the compact DP603 then I thought oops!! my current setup is a Yamaha P35 with my back to the wall (what a mess they made of midi) with a heavy weight stand on which I use a whiteboard as well as Real books etc. I have a camera stand for remote lessons plus my laptop stand and an internet connection through a router. A tape measure and re-assessment of actual requirements must precede the purchase. Just as modern refrigerators are taller and may not fit the kitchen recess - measure twice before decision.

[@SCHuTZ-DSGN]

Man great scales and chords!!😃 great demo thanks

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks for tuning in! I will be sure to pass on the kind words to Stu for you. :)

[@davidjuanmbjergfrost7135]

Very nice review, and I really love the relaxed perfektion in your playing style, it sounds so great.

[@janekwill8859]

Very helpful, as usual. 👍

[@thomasfeldbauer5025]

One big thing between both models that was not addressed in this video is the lid and music rest. On the HP704 you can simply put some sheet music on the rest and if you finished playing just slide the lid close and leave all paper at its place. On the DP603 you are forced to put the music sheet away every time you close the lid. Furthermore on the DP603 there is no place on top of the cabinet for a notebook. If floorspace is not an issue I'd go hands down with the HP704 over DP603. It's just so much more convenient to sit down, open lid and all your papers are already there to go. Anyway, this was a very delightful video again and I love listening to Stu playing those instruments.

[@JoeLinux2000]

Another issue might be a place for a music desk lamp. I see a lot of drawbacks to the 603, but both are lovely sounding instruments.

[@hacksaw4966]

Yeah, this is a fantastic review as always, but since the major difference in these units is the cabinet, I think that could have been discussed a bit more. I have the DP603, and was not aware of the HP704. I am mainly using a pull down monitor for an on-line learning tool, so the 603 is less bulky for that, but everyone has there own needs. Nice to have choices. Surprising the prices are similar, with the 704 cabinet being more... "substantial"

[@thegoodgeneral]

Excellent presenter and pianist!

[@qwmjml]

Cant wait for the new FP X reviews! I can feel it comin 🤩

[@JoeLinux2000]

I think they will be winners. Roland serves a piano tone with real beef

[@ewhyte8059]

The H in the HP704 stands for haptic. You basically get a representation in the lower registers of string resonance through to the keys that you can feel at the fingertips for sure, which mimics closely that of an acoustic piano. I compared the two pianos today at Roland’s flagship store in London and I’m in the middle of deciding which one I’m going for and wondering how much that haptic feedback is going to enhance my playing experience. Hope this helps.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi there! The HP704 does not include haptic vibration. I believe "HP" stands for "Home Piano." With that said, some of the higher-end digital models like the LX9 and GP9 do include that feature though. :)

[@ewhyte8059]

@@MerriamPianos that’s very strange because I was told that at Roland’s flagship store London two days ago and when I switched between the DP603 and came back to it I could definitely feel vibrations in the final two octaves at the left hand side and when I invited another capable pianist to strike the keys he found the same sensation too! But the volume has to be 3/4 plus up to detecti it. I don’t know about the 704 you have from three years ago or so but it definitely was not a figment of my imagination. Just sharing

[@waleedsoliman887]

Many say the pure Acoustic sound engine sounds very artificial and digital than the supernatural modeling engine they prefer the HP & DP603 Piano Sound over the LX Series 😮 but I prefer the HP for the mellower Sound, more practical Music Rest, the key cover can partially close to hide the controls to make it look more like acoustic ❤

[@MerriamPianos]

For sure! The HP/DP and LX series instruments from Roland offer very different flavours and aesthetics. They all have their place in the market, but every player will connect with a different look and tone and, as such, will have a different preference between these models. :)

[@tsizzle]

6:12 Stu goes into Liszt mode! 😮😊👍💪 very nice indeed!

[@MerriamPianos]

Everyone succumbs to Lisztomania once in a while! ;)

[@mightyoak11111]

Salesman: "Do you prefer the Roland HP704 or the DP603?" Me: "Yes!"

[@Truthasvictim]

My ear says the 603 is far superior sonically. No brittleness or crunchy aspects, which I heard pretty easily in the 704.

[@davidlinick8296]

Most of us would be using the internal speakers, so I think that would be the best comparo

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi there! In some of the videos, the internal speakers are captured with a stereo pair of condenser microphones. We will do our best to ensure that is featured on all comparison videos. :)

[@Aziraphale686]

I know you guys said you were working on getting some Korg reviews up on the channel this year. Any news on that front? I had some Korgs in the list of pianos that I was looking at. Cheers.

[@kyrvhy]

Thanks for this Stu.

[@RockerProf]

Great video. Thank you. Since I am considering the 704, I I have a question from watching the video. That flashing light on the control panel of the 704, does that light keep flashing while you're playing or was it flashing for a reason that allows it to be turned off? I would find that flashing very, very annoying and distracting. I realize it's possible to close the lid on that control panel, but maybe you want the control panel open so that you can continue to play with the controls while you are playing.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent here! Thanks for the question! The display screen light does not actually flash in person. That is just an optical effect and byproduct from the camera. So, you will not have to worry about that issue at all. :)

[@RockerProf]

@MerriamPianos Thank you! BTW, this is a great comparison video.

[@SBell1959]

Thanks for a great informative video of the two pianos, I like the DP603 because, it would fit better in my home. What are the prices of the two pianos and are they good for a Beginner in learning to play the piano? Do they both have some kind of lessons in it? If someone knows what kind of price range they are, I loved to hear from you. I am on a limited budget on purchasing a piano. Also, I am researching on brands of digital pianos, on what is the best for a beginner and wants to play Classical music on it.

[@cor3944]

The 603 costs actually €2.300 in Europe.

[@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12]

May I ask what was the classical piese played here🎹🎶

[@JoeLinux2000]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3OykmBol5moh7M Stu plays it beautifully.

[@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12]

@@JoeLinux2000 thanks🎹🎶

[@alpay389]

16:31 does the kawai ca 79 have this "pin" too? it has a wooden action at all.

[@TexanInParis06]

Are the electronics in both basically the same, just in different cabinetry?

[@JR-dm1oq]

Does the DP603 have the same chip as the GP607?

[@vickyhendricks5357]

Does rd2000 have a cabinet model?

[@slatebook2384]

There's actually no way to really realize the sound quality of this type of "high end" models without trying them in person, which is generally true for every instrument. Still, in video and even with the best monitoring possible, it is not possbible to feel the thing. I have a HP506 and it's a pretty solid piano (polyphony 128), very close to the real thing. What I hear here (not your fault) doesn't do justice to these instruments, I believe you should avoid the "ambiance mode" and any effect for these tests and put the mics in a subjective setting. Anyway your presentation is very informative and well done. your playing is very nice too. And, thanks to the speakers systems, the HP seems and is probably more rich sounding in real life. It's amazing that they both have limitless polyphony. Cheers.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks for the kind words and for tuning in! We appreciate it. :) The sonic experience of a digital piano in person is always going to be different than hearing it through headphones, laptop speakers, or studio monitors. With that said, some of the tonal qualities of the sound are still discernible throughout all mediums. We typically use the default piano settings and take a line-out feed to capture the sound of each model. That gives you an exact representation of what is coming out through the tone engine.

[@slatebook2384]

@@MerriamPianos I see, I understand better now. I have to say that I don't think the line-out feed is a good way to give an idea of how the piano sounds in real life. Anyways, thanks for your video an answer?

[@waleedsoliman887]

What is a line out feed , i need to learn that to record KZbin videos with good sound

[@slatebook2384]

@@waleedsoliman887 It's just a jack plug or 2 (left and right), most of the time at the back of the instrument called "line out". If you don't have good mics that maybe the best way to record it. It could also be the headphone socket on some piano.

[@alpay389]

compare the dp 603 with the 4000dollar roland kyola. it would be funny because they have same keyaction and soundengine 😂

[@likeidksomething3142]

7:37 6:13

[@MerriamPianos]

Thank you! :)

[@cdp6896]

Is DP603 discontinued?

[@nicojar]

No (not yet, at least), but there's a supply crisis. It takes an awful lot of time to get it delivered, if you're looking for the poly gloss finish, that is. It's very likely that the dp603 and the kiyola are the next models to be replaced, but with the supply crisis I think you've got a few years ahead of you before the next upgrade.