🎹 Roland LX-9 vs Kawai NV5S: The Battle for Piano Supremacy! 🎹

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#rolanddigitalpiano#kawaidigitalpiano#bestdigitalpianos
Introduction
The Roland LX-9 and the Kawai Novus 5S (NV5S) are two of the most impressive digital pianos that money can buy. Having played both instruments for numerous hours, and loving them both, made it difficult to come up with a useful dialogue until they were placed side by side, revealing the differences.
We’ll discuss the major differences between the actions, the sonic experience, the user interface, and some final musical thoughts.
The Action
Kawai NV5S
Even though the mechanics inside the piano resemble that of an upright piano, the action in the NV5S feels neither like an upright piano nor a grand piano. The configuration of the geometry, the key weight, and the damper simulation pressure give a hybrid sense to the key; the weight of a grand with the behaviour of an upright. The dynamic resistance of the key feels just right.
Roland LX-9
When first played, the Roland action feels lighter; however, there is very little difference between them when played simultaneously. The Kawai has a full upright action so while the pressure required to start the key in motion is similar, the dynamic resistance is greater in Kawai. The Roland feels more natural in the lower half of the dynamic range while the Kawai is more natural in the upper half.
Mechanical Comparison
Because Kawai has two mechanical bodies stopping simultaneously, the key stick hitting the bottom of the key bed and the full action being stopped by the stop rail, there is a stronger and louder mechanical thump, which provides more haptic feedback.
Roland LX-9
Roland uses modelling, real-time synthesis based on a computer model, called Piano Reality Modelling engine. This sounds quite different from the PureAcoustic modelling that came before, or the SuperNATURAL modelling that came before that.
It is incredibly warm, very natural, and has a ton of nuance
Kawai NV5S
The sound generation in the Kawai is akin to stuffing a Vienna Symphonic Libraries VST into a digital piano. It consists of multiple samples at close range, the player’s perspective, and far distances of an SK-EX nine-foot grand piano.
The performer can choose various combinations using the virtual technician, with the ability to add additional sonic artifacts such as hammer noise, key noise, and resonance engines.
Speaker Systems
Roland LX-9
The LX-9 has eight speakers; two subs in the lower half, two centre channels, two tweeters up front, and two tweeters near the keyboard. Each set of speakers is fed discreet audio from the tone generator so there is no crossover or additional digital processing or filtering. It has a very clean sound.
If you enjoy a close connection to an instrument with a sound that surrounds you and has a nice warm mid-range tone, then Roland is the right choice.
The warmth of the Roland is a better presentation of the mid and upper mid-range.
Kawai NV5S
The entire sonic experience of the Kawai is dictated and dominated by the presence of the soundboard. You both hear and feel the bass. You hear the projection when you start to push the instrument and feel it come back to you both directly and indirectly because it projects into the room or off the wall.
Regardless of the settings, the Kawai feels like a bigger instrument compared to the Roland.
User Interfaces
Roland LX-9
The LX-9 has a buttonless touchscreen display with a small central visual display to review and change settings. Although ambience and brilliance can be adjusted, most settings are piano-specific.
Kawai NV5S
The speaker control settings are more technical and specific because, depending on the space the instrument is situated in, carpet versus tile versus hardwood or right up against a wall, the soundboard will behave differently.
Final Thoughts
In a lot of ways, the differences between these two instruments are as much about the pianos they are trying to emulate as the technical delivery. The warm mid and upper-mid-range tone is a prominent feature of a New York Steinway, which the Roland piano tone is based on; whereas the Kawai is based on an SK-EX which is known for a rich brassy bass, a lush lower mid-range tone, and a prominent treble.
Since both instruments are delivering these characteristics digitally, it may come down to which acoustic piano experience you like the most and how these pianos emulate that the best.
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[@verticalperspective8039]

I've never heard Stu play the piece of music twice! His knowledge and articulation in playing and speaking about these instruments is very impressive!

[@MerriamPianos]

Stu is an excellent improviser, so a lot of the demonstrations you're hearing are improvised. :)

[@billmooney6840]

On the other hand, playing the same piece on the two different pianos gives us a better comparison of how the pianos differ, or not. ​@@MerriamPianos

[@verticalperspective8039]

@@billmooney6840 Correct!

[@collinsinclair]

I can't overstate how cool it is to have access to what feels like insider knowledge through Stu - from the details about different key actions to how samples are recorded and produced. Thanks for another awesome review!

[@MerriamPianos]

Thank you kindly for tuning in! We're glad you've been enjoying Stu's reviews and comparisons! :)

[@zackfishman3245]

Great playing! I love your videos.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks for taking the time to tune in! I'll pass your kind words onto Stu! :)

[@Unclemaths]

I was split between these two pianos but in the end I bought Lx9 PE. There is very little to chose between these two. Only reason I went with Roland is because Roland came with a 10 year warranty.

[@MerriamPianos]

It is a very difficult call between both of these pianos, but they are both exceptional so you really can't go wrong! Congrats on your new LX9! I think you will be very pleased with it. :)

[@franquitofrankilopez]

los dos son magnifico , pero para distinguir , el kawai nv5s es mas sonido clasico ,y el roland es mas sonido jazz. por decir diferencia entre los dos . yo tengo el gp3 , es muy parecido al lx9 aunque distinto

[@smplchmp]

excellent and very interesting review!

[@MerriamPianos]

Thank you so much! We appreciate that. :)

[@Houston123ABC]

I'm kind of sold on Roland - not this high end, but in general I will be looking for a Roland.

[@JoeLinux2000]

Personally, I only like the higest end Rolands. They are the most playable within the Roland line.

[@MerriamPianos]

Roland makes wonderful pianos! That is for sure! :)

[@mfurman]

Great review! Thank you

[@MerriamPianos]

Thank you so much! We appreciate it!

[@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12]

How's the RD 08?🎹🎶

[@mfurman]

@@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12 I really like it. The piano sound is not bad at all (the best I experienced with Roland), It has a very good headphone sound quality and amplification and what is the most important - PHA-4 action is much better (quieter) that any PHA-4 action I had or experienced before (I had four digital pianos with PHA-4 action before l). I stopped looking for a new digital piano

[@live4everdad]

Great review! It amazes me how clearly you are able to express in words what you feel about the sound and playing experience. I do have some questions. Being that the Kawai action is mechanical, like a real action, how often does it have to be regulated? Also, because the Roland uses modeling, I've noticed that if you hold down a key very softly (without creating a sound) and then you play another key and let it go, you actually get the harmonic sound from the key or keys that are still being held down. Does the Kawai give you the same type of response being that modeling isn't used? One thing I do enjoy about the Roland is that it is very quiet while playing with headphones and has very little action noise. I love your reviews! These are both wonderful instruments and open up a world of beautiful sound and touch to someone like me that would never be able to have room for or afford a grand piano or to maintain it over the years with tunings, regulating, etc. Thank you again Stu and Merriam Pianos for your reviews. I always look forward to them.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thank you kindly for tuning in and writing in with your questions/feedback! We really appreciate it. While acoustic actions require regulation every 5-10 years (or to the player's preference) on average, it should be noted that the Kawai Millennium III action's use of carbon fibre gives it tremendous stability, which means that it generally requires less regulation. In terms of the sustain/decay qualities that you are referring to, the Kawai does an excellent job at simulating these nuances as well. While it is a sample-based engine, there is still some modelling used to control certain adjustable parameters and enhance the overall authenticity of the sonic experience.

[@knives6683]

The Roland sounds a little off in the midrange, a bit twangy maybe? The Kawai definitely sounds more natural from the line out.

[@JoeLinux2000]

The Kawai definitely is more authentic, at least in this video heard on my computer speakers. In the showroom, the top end Rolands are some of the very best.

[@MerriamPianos]

That is fair! Everyone's ears are different of course. Different players will gravitate towards different tonal profiles. :)

[@aaron0089]

Ive always noticed.. People keep bashing Roland for the ‘fake sound’.. And I too felt the same.. However, whenever I hear Roland pianos in person, the experience is totally different.. My guess is that its the line output in the Roland pianos that makes it sound fake.. And that is whats used to record almost all youtube videos.. When you actually play their pianos, you realise they actually have a very competitive sound quality in comparison to Kawai and Yamaha.. Their speaker systems actually do get pretty loud without audible distortion.. Personally though, I am still a bit of a Yamaha fan..

[@franquitofrankilopez]

@@JoeLinux2000 correcto amigo , en la sala la cosa puede cambiar radical .ya que son digitales los dos , los parlantes tienen mucho que ver en esto , por eso hay que probar en sala . roland en la sal gana mucho diria que mas que kawai . pero kawai llevas años de experiencia haciendo piano clasicos y eso se nota

[@lcarspiano]

What a difficult choice. Huge Roland and Kawai fan. I really don't know how I would chose between themn.

[@MerriamPianos]

It really is a difficult choice! They're both fantastic pianos that offer different musical flavours. :)

[@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12]

Great worke. Both look like prity good options. It all comes down to personal preference🎹🎶

[@MerriamPianos]

Thank you so much! I wholeheartedly agree with that sentiment. :)

[@lumpichu]

The Kawai sounds so much better to me. Maybe because I'm not a fan of the Steinway sound. And the control area on the Roland looks as expected - fingerprints all over.

[@MerriamPianos]

The NV5S is an incredible sounding and playing instrument. There are certainly no doubts about that!

[@arvo6590]

merci ! vos examens sont toujours précis, détaillés et intéressants. Je crois savoir que votre instrument personnel est un Kawai NS5S ? Vous ne préfériez pas un instrument comme le yamaha n1X ou le kawai NV10 avec des mécaniques de piano a queue ? Pardonnez moi pour cette question mais je suis sur un projet d'achat de piano numérique haut de gamme. En vous remerciant pour vos conseils. Cordialement.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi there! Brent from Merriam Music here! Stu played/owned a Kawai NV5 for quite a while, but has also played/owned a variety of Roland models too. It should be noted that some players actually prefer the touch and sound of an upright piano over a grand piano. it all depends on one's musical preferences. These two types of pianos have a very different feel and sonic feedback of course. :)

[@Valczykewski]

Hi hi!, Great battle review!. How about Roland LX-9 vs Yamaha csp-295?. I would like to know about the detailed and differences between them like the action of the keys, Thank you :D

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks so much! We're glad you enjoyed it. And thank you for the suggestion! We will do our best to tackle that comparison for you. I will pass along the suggestion to our production team.

[@harrymcintosh2940]

I've heard that many inexpensive (less than $1000) can have noisy keys. I'd love to hear Stu talk about this, perhaps discussing which actions are the most quiet and whether there are DIY methods for quieting a noisy keyboard.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent here! Some keyboard actions have some mechanical noise. Stu has talked about this in relationship to specific models in some of the review and comparison videos. With that said, I will pass on the suggestion to our production team to tackle this topic in a dedicated video. :)

[@rolexmarcelo3218]

"...The Kawai comes in any finish as long as it's shiny black..." Proof that Stu is also funny hahaha

[@MerriamPianos]

Haha for sure! Stu is a witty guy! :)

[@hasl-machine]

Great comparison!

[@MerriamPianos]

Thank you so much!

[@BUJU2007]

Am I gonna buy a piano soon... no. But I'll watch it. 😮

[@MerriamPianos]

Thank you kindly for tuning in! We appreciate it. :)

[@franquitofrankilopez]

Muy buenos los dos . Sin duda alguna aconsejo a todo el mundo probar en tienda . Aunque aqui hay un idea del sonido , no tiene nada que ver con escucharlo y sentirlo en directo . Lo digo porque tengo un roland gp3 y no tiene nada que ver cuando lo toque .sin embargo en you tuve hay una engañosa experiencia .

[@MerriamPianos]

That is excellent and sound advice - no pun intended ;) ! It is always a good idea to demo the pianos in person whenever possible. :)

[@grandpaatemybanana]

@FingersKungfu I am inclined to agree with you and that also has been my original expectation on the outcome of this video review before even watching it. However it needs to be noted that Stu does not take a clear take on this and someone really needs to read “between” the lines for a definite conclusion as to which instrument behaves closer to real piano. I’m not even sure if there can be a clear statement around this since these instruments seem to take a very different end goal where Roland seems to be driven in simulating a grand piano experience and KAwai seems to drive for an upright experience. But yeah, I get what you’re saying and I get where you’re going.

[@MerriamPianos]

It all comes down to a matter of personal preference. The goal of these comparisons is never to the declare a "winner," as that will likely be a different model between different players depending on their musical preferences. These are both fantastic instruments that simply offer a different sound, touch, and feature offering. :)

[@pianowhizz]

At 0:59 did Stu deliberately start those four buttons flashing, or did the vibration of the keys when he was playing trigger an uncommanded touch panel button activation? (I ask because it does this for me sometimes) Also, can you please compare these two models to the Yamaha NU1XA?

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi there! Thanks for the suggestion! We will do our best to tackle a comparison with the Yamaha NU1XA for you in the future. Also, I am not sure as to why those four buttons are flashing in the video. It doesn't look to have been triggered by the vibration of the instrument given that they were already flashing at the start of the excerpt.

[@nikooplayer]

Thank you Stu for another lovely review. Kawai sounds more natural to me. These technologies have reached to their end point and I am waiting to see which of these big names will come up with the first AI-based engine. I think within 3-5 years from now (or may be even sooner), we will simply tell our digital piano: "Give me a warm piano", ... "add more breath to it",... "make it jazzy", etc. With generative AI, digital instruments can imitate any real instrument with full articulation. There is no need for sampling, we need to give them the final expected audio, the notes, and action dynamics... they will figure out how to generate the exact tone.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent here! Thanks for taking the time to tune in! We're glad you enjoyed it. :) That is a very interesting point! I do agree that AI integration is inevitable. The implications of that technology feels both incredibly exciting and incredible terrifying at the same time. I guess time will tell what the future holds!

[@franquitofrankilopez]

exacto , yo creo que ahi estara la diferencia , en cuanto a kawai suena mas natural exacto , roland que digamos es mas para jazz pero tambien un sonido bonito , kawai es un sonido mas clasico

[@WorstSanta]

Thanks much Stu! As for the point, for me Roland sounds artificial but yes, I’m a big fan of Kawai, which feels way more rich and natural. And natural key action, of course.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent here! Thank you so much for tuning in and sharing your thoughts on these two heavyweight digital pianos! We appreciate it. :)

[@RamingtonSteele]

hey stu, whats about the control panel issue with the Roland?

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent here! I am not sure what you are referring to. The LX9 features a buttonless touch screen control panel that can be turned on and off while playing. It is quite a neat feature that helps maintain the aesthetic of an acoustic piano. :)

[@yamaha-bq9ws]

What about Casio GP series? Especially more affordable 310? I feel Casio may be solution for people having objections with Rolands not fantastic action - including PHA 50 (yet liking the tone), on the other hand, loving kawais realistic approach to action situation, but not necessarily brassy, very characteristic tone Any chance to review solo, or maybe in comparison?

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent here! Thanks for the suggestion! I will be happy to pass it along to our production team. With that said, we have tackled a solo review of the Casio GP510, which you can check out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f17Yk6Ski7qVfsU The GP510 is almost identical to the GP310 with the exception of having a few more extra non-piano instrument tones, resonance functions, and a polished finish. The core piano experience (action and tone engine) are the same. With that said, this is definitely a good alternative for customers that want a heavy, authentic touch with a European tonal profile.

[@JoeLinux2000]

THe actions on the top end Rolands are very good. I don't care for the PHA4, but many do.

[@amineouicestmoi]

Hi ! I wanted to know what you think of the sound of both instrument, like, which sounds the best and more realistic when playing ? Which sounds do you prefer ? I'm curious to know :)

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent here! It really comes down to subjectivity. Every player will have a different opinion on this matter. For me, I would personally give a slight edge to the Kawai NV5S (but only slight). I also naturally gravitate towards a warmer tonal profile, which the NV5S is more aligned with.

[@JoeLinux2000]

I don't know who you are asking but many have expressed their opinion. The one that sounds best is the one you think sounds best.

[@raf73030]

Buongiorno Maestro e a tutti i tuoi iscritti!!!! accettasi consigli. Mi serve un piano digitale per piccoli eventi al quale posso collegare un microfono preticamente per il 90% piano e voce. Per evitare di portare dietro l'amplificazione secondo voi oltre al roland fp e50 e al casio Ps 6000 quale altro piano dovrei considerare? Ringrazio anticipatamente chiunque voglia rispondermi

[@JoeLinux2000]

Maybe the Kawai ES120 or some of the Yamahas from the P-125 upward.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks so much for the support and for writing in with your question! The top suggestions that came to mind were the Roland FP-E50, Roland FP90X, Casio PXS6000, and Casio PXS7000. So, it sounds like your research has pointed you in the right direction. ;)

[@raf73030]

@@MerriamPianos continuate così!!!! Siete bravissimi un abbraccio dalla Sicilia

[@TheLooking4sunset]

I have the kawai kdp 120 - kawai is great

[@MerriamPianos]

Congrats on your KDP120! It is a fantastic piano and a top-seller for a very good reason! :)

[@adrian-paul9114]

Why did you decide to compare the LX-9 to the Novus 5S instead of the CA 901?

[@MerriamPianos]

We may tackle an LX9 and CA901 comparison as well. With that said, the polished ebony finish LX9 sits in the exact same price category as the NV5S here in Canada. Plus, both models are the companies' respective flagship upright console digitals. :)

[@YotamPiano]

I'm a Kawai fan for sure, but don't hate the Roland at all :) Both would make one happy

[@MerriamPianos]

That is certainly fair! They're both wonderful pianos that offer a different musical flavour. :)

[@Jackjack1978.]

If I have about $600 what is the best electric keyboard I can buy to learn piano on?

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent here! The Roland FP10 is an excellent option. It has a fantastic tone and touch for the price point. :)

[@MathewBT81]

Reliability wise and perhaps servicing...do you think Roland has it over Kawai in terms of all Kawai's moving parts?

[@Brandon_501]

The millennium iii action is well built and is seen in most kawai acoustics so i’d say reliability is not something to worry about. If something does go wrong with a key mechanism, you can call any normal piano technician to come and check things out which is nice.

[@JoeLinux2000]

Yes. The Kawai is going to have all the adjustment problems of an acoustic.

[@MerriamPianos]

The NV5S is an acoustic action essentially, so there may be a slightly greater need for servicing in terms of action regulation, but it is also important to note that the use of carbon fibre components gives the Kawai NV5S' action incredible stability.

[@JoeLinux2000]

In theory yes, but in actual practice, it's hard to say. Either one could have defects that show up further down the road.

[@JoeLinux2000]

Is Pianoteq secretly the voice coming from the Roland? In this case the Kawai sounds more authentic to my ear; however I favor a more simplistic action. There is too much complexity in the Kawai's action.

[@MerriamPianos]

That is certainly fair. It comes down to a matter of personal preference in the end, so every player will gravitate towards different touches and tones. Haha as far as I know, that is not the case, but there are some similarities between Roland and Pianoteq's modelled sounds.

[@Notmehimorthem]

I just do not get on with sampled pianos. I have probably a hundred VSTs and I use none of them. I am still using my modelled TruePiano.

[@MerriamPianos]

It is a matter of personal preference at the end of the day. The most important thing is to find a sound that you connect with. :)

[@JoeLinux2000]

I'm very pleased with Pianoteq running natively on Linux. I think the voice of the Roland is secretly Pianoteq. Roland just gave some of the Pianoteq voices generic names like "American Grand" instead of NY Steinway.

[@Widiar0]

I prefer the sound of Kawai, but both seem to do really well.

[@MerriamPianos]

For sure! They are both very excellent instruments that offer something a bit different musically. :)

[@zaheedhasib]

I like the Roland sound.

[@MerriamPianos]

The LX9 is a very impressive instrument!

[@JoeLinux2000]

The top end Rolands are some of the best sounding digital pianos on the showroom floor.

[@jacquelinerubin8274]

Beautiful playing Stu❤. It is my understanding that Roland’s action is really digital because it does not have the actual action of the acoustic like the Kawai has. Can you please clarify if I am correct? For me that actual action is the deal breaker and that is why a hybrid as the Kawai would be my choice. From what I can tell I also prefer the sound. I am also biased because I own a Yamaha N1X with the actual grand action which suits my needs. I’d still appreciate some clarification on the Roland action. Thanks for your comprehensive reviews and your artistic music, I always look forward to your reviews and music.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thank you so much for tuning in! I'll be happy to send along your kind words to Stu on your behalf. You are correct that the LX9's action is not an acoustic piano action like the NV5S and N1X models. With that said, the LX9's actions offers a fantastic touch with a very nice extended key stick. :)

[@jacquelinerubin8274]

@@MerriamPianos Thank you for clarifying. Best wishes to you both.

[@JoeLinux2000]

You are correct, and in my mind it makes it less problematic.

[@JD-xo3xz]

Sound, aesthetics, and overall value win for the Kawai. Roland sound and overall look is dull, the flashing lights above the keys are so annoying. Reminds me of a school piano.

[@MerriamPianos]

It is a matter of opinion of course, but it is tough to argue with the amazing sound, quality, and aesthetics that the Kawai NV5S offers. It is a remarkable instrument! With that said, the LX9 is an amazing instrument too; it simply offers a very different tone, touch, and aesthetic. It should also be noted that the buttonless display screen lights can be disabled if desired. :)

[@Unclemaths]

I think it is wrong to compare aesthetics based on the video. The Lx9 in the video is not a polished ebony version, which will look a lot better.

[@calle68]

No VST sounds like a digital piano. Even my Y P250 grand piano sound is far better. Reason for it?

[@MerriamPianos]

It really is a matter of subjectivity and personal preference. Some players will gravitate towards the piano sounds of VST plugins over onboard digital sounds and vice versa.

[@Zoco101]

Fun question: If Handel and Scarlatti time travelled and tried one of these instruments, without ever trying an acoustic pianoforte, would they complain that these instruments sound unlike any "real keyboard", or would they just marvel at the expressive capabilities?

[@MerriamPianos]

Haha that is a very good question and one that we are likely never to know the definitive answer for!

[@JoeLinux2000]

Both composers would be amazed by both.

[@budgieBurglar]

I prefer the warmer sound of the Kawai. Roland still sounds like it has too high of a midrange

[@MerriamPianos]

That is certainly fair! It is a matter of preference of course. But, it is tough to argue against the Kawai SKEX samples being some of the most authentic sounding piano samples on the market. :)

[@Researcher30473]

Sound wise. The nv5 sounds more professional... More growly in the bass and dreamy on the mid and high.

[@MerriamPianos]

It is a truly spectacular instrument! That is for sure! Thank you for tuning in and sharing your thoughts. :)

[@JoeLinux2000]

It more closely mimics an acoustic.

[@user-rj8fv6fl9e]

The price difference is great. Roland LX9 $6500 Kawai NV5S $10,000 to 12k I would expect more from the Kawai. Next time mention the difference in pricing.

[@MerriamPianos]

The difference is pricing is not consistent in different regions. Furthermore, it is important to note that the NV5S is in a polished finish, which is typically a $1000-1200 premium. For instance, the LX9 in polished ebony is $11,599 CAD. Thus, compared to the NV5S at $12,499 CAD, the price point is fairly similar here in Canada.

[@tonyromano4341]

"Sounds like.." Stu likes the Roland more, (can't exactly come out and say that though) and is still respectful of the Kawai.

[@Biozene]

Dunno. He owns a Novus 5 and loves it. Even supposing he does prefer the Roland, I can't imagine the difference is enough to want to get rid of the Kawai.

[@MerriamPianos]

Stu is a big fan of both Roland and Kawai! I can't speak on behalf of Stu, but I think the NV5S and LX9 offer different things musically. For me, it is a matter of different tools for different jobs. :)

[@tonyromano4341]

True enough. Or maybe he's just, subtly, trying suddenly to sell more Rolands? It would be a difficult choice. I love both companies.

[@tonyromano4341]

​@@Biozenenever.

[@JoeLinux2000]

He owns each brand.

[@insar21]

But the price difference is quite important, kawai's much higher

[@MerriamPianos]

The NV5S is a bit higher in price in most markets, but it is a true hybrid instrument of course. :)

[@sinspheak]

Aesthetic wise, the Kawai design is much better

[@Biozene]

Opposite for me 🤷‍♂

[@MerriamPianos]

Everyone will have their preference of course. They are both stunning instruments musically and aesthetically, but each offers something a bit different.

[@JoeLinux2000]

Not necessarily because the Roland's controls are right in front of your face, which is better than being on the cheek block.

[@RenyPerucchi]

Easily yamaha NU1XA can compete with theses 2. The action is amazing

[@MerriamPianos]

We will do our best to tackle a comparison with the NU1XA. Thanks for suggestion! :)

[@hwaldman6479]

I think as extensively noted that it comes down to personal preference. For me personally the NU1XA wasn’t close. The action was very good, but just didn’t offer what the Kawai NV5S was capable of delivering. There was even a much bigger difference in sound where the Kawai, to my ears, had a much more authentic sound. I played both the Kawai and the various Yamaha AvantGrand models serval times trying to make a decision and ended up buying the Kawai. That said, these are all top of class hybrid digital pianos and any of them are capable of offering an excellent playing experience.

[@Zoco101]

The Roland sounds wonderful to me, until I hear the Kawai. The Kawai has more character in the lower mids. Also, I wouldn't want to put the LX-9 on a bandstand or in the middle of a room because it's hard to see over the top.

[@MerriamPianos]

That is a good point! For players using the piano for choir or ensemble accompaniment/directing, the profile of the cabinet will make a difference. In any case, these are both wonderful pianos to say the least! :)

[@JoeLinux2000]

You aren't going to put either one on a bandstand.

[@Zoco101]

@@JoeLinux2000 I don't know whether either of these exact models would ever be purchased by a hotel, theatre, ballet school or jazz club, but I have performed on upright acoustic pianos in all such locations, and it's problematic.

[@JoeLinux2000]

@@Zoco101 I've seen it done too, but portable electronic instruments are much more likely, particularly since many mimic acoustic pianos quite well. With the better ones, you can only recognize them because they are perfectly tuned.

[@george0t]

The LX-6 should be shorter.

[@HLLOZZ]

Kawai is better. According to my ear

[@JoeLinux2000]

What is the price difference?

[@MerriamPianos]

It comes down to a matter of personal taste of course. Both of these pianos sound great, but they offer a slightly different flavour musically. :)

[@BUJU2007]

​@@JoeLinux2000 isn't the Kawai like twice the price?

[@JoeLinux2000]

Veyr authentic sounding. But the top end Rolands sound very good too. In the long run I think it will come cown the the ease of the user interface. My DGX-670 drives me completely nuts. The user interface is extremely convoluted. Another question is if there is an upgrade path for the firmware. On my DGX-670 there is not.

[@JoeLinux2000]

@@BUJU2007 I don't know, but it could be because of the complex action.

[@streetshooter8145]

I’m a Roland fan, but the Kawai sounded better here.

[@MerriamPianos]

They're both excellent pianos, but they offer slightly different flavours musically. :)

[@user-ce8ut8hr9k]

If only Roland would get rid of that awful display. Not dim it, but completely remove it. Ideally in a slide out tray underneath in a similar way to the Yamaha Avants or failing that at least over to one side. What's the point of making it look like a piano if they go and cover it in buttons? You might as well just buy a stage keyboard. Roland, are you listening?

[@MerriamPianos]

The predecessor (LX708) had a key cover that could be positioned to cover the control interface. With that said, the new LX series models, including the LX9, have a touch screen display that can in fact be turned off to maintain the aesthetic of an acoustic piano. It is a nifty feature! :)

[@rolexmarcelo3218]

Alert, alert, Merriam! There's this Ed Pin account regularly reposts your very informative videos.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thank you for letting us know. We appreciate it.

[@FingersKungfu]

In short, Kawai NV5S is more realistic and as close as you get to the real thing (both in terms of action and acoustic).

[@JoeLinux2000]

It does sound very authentic.

[@MerriamPianos]

It is definitely an impressive instrument, but so is the LX9! They simply offer different musical flavours and feels. :)

[@rolexmarcelo3218]

I didn't hear this conclusion at all from the video.

[@grandpaatemybanana]

How did you arrive at that conclusion? The video review seems to drive a very different conclusion… It clearly states that both instruments seems to offer a very accurate simulation of two different schools of piano crafting. Nowhere modes of say that the KAWAI (which is a personal favorite for me) is more realistic…

[@franquitofrankilopez]

Estuve probando el kawai y la verdad que lo vi muy blando .la sensación no me gustó . No se tengo que volver a tocar otra vez .kawai es más blando que Roland y Yamaha es más duro que Roland . Roland tiene un tacto para mí mejor

[@tbip2001]

The roland just looks so dated from the off! Very 2004 😂

[@MerriamPianos]

The technology is anything-but-dated. I can certainly assure you of that. The action's sensors and haptic system are excellent and the tone engine/speaker system combo sound quite impressive.

[@tbip2001]

@@MerriamPianos yeah no doubt. I meant the cabinet choice. Very odd decision

[@sissy1234hhh]

Pleas get rid of the sound effects. It sounds like a dam PC game, after a time i just have to turn it off.

[@MerriamPianos]

I will certainly pass along the feedback to our production team for you. Thank you for tuning in!

[@JoeLinux2000]

What sound effects? Merriam has a signature sound associated with their videos. It's not obtrusive.

[@grandpaatemybanana]

Please thank Stu for a great video. I am between CA901, NV5S and LX-9 so I really need this comparison videos since it’s impossible to find these pianos in Greece for demo. One thing that maybe one should note is that the Roland is offered with a more flexible pricing. You can get all this technology with sth around 4,500EUR if you opt to sacrifice cabinet artistry. The KAwai screams “real piano” in terms of cabinet options essentially locking you to 6,000EUR. The pricing flexibility that Roland offers for a digital instrument that seems to be very close to a top hybrid action piano such as the KAwai should be taken into concern here. @merriampianos One thing that this review does not make very clear, is whether Kawai’s modelling allows for “sympathetic resonance” simulation like Roland does. Could we somehow reach Stu and have him clarify this for us? Thank you for such great work over the years!

[@JoeLinux2000]

Most all the better digitals have had sympathetic resonance for very long time. I remember the Panosonic having it many years ago when digitals were very new to the market, and they were touting it as a feature. Only be the cheapest toy models with unweighted actions would not have it. Anything considered to be in the pro level will have it. For one thing computer technology has come a long way over the years with millions of transistors in a small chip.

[@grandpaatemybanana]

@@JoeLinux2000 Hey Joe, thank you for the clarification! Perhaps this is a feature that should be more prominently demonstrated in future reviews of these instruments and maybe even have the reviewer give us some thoughts on the actual implementation in terms of realism. But thank you for jumping in and clarifying this for me!

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks so much for reaching out and for tuning in to our videos! We appreciate it. :) We will do our best to tackle that comparison for you, but, with so many new models hitting the market, we can't make any guarantees. With that said, you may find the individual video reviews for each of these models helpful in your decision making process. For what it's worth, I would personally rank the Kawai NV5S as the most authentic feeling/sounding piano from this lot. This is due to the use of a real acoustic upright action as well as the soundboard system (which is also featured on the CA901). In terms of "sympathetic resonance" simulation, the CA901 and NV5S both have modelled elements within their tone engines to render these details. They do an excellent job and establish excellent authenticity, but, in my experiences, the fully-modelled engines are a bit more sophisticated in this particular area.

[@hwaldman6479]

For what it’s worth I did spend quite a bit of time with the Kawai CA901 and Novus NV5S before buying the Novus. For me sound wise they were similar, but there was a noticeable advantage to the Novus having a more immersive and overall more realistic sound. Somehow with the Novus I just felt the I was playing a real acoustic piano based on sound alone. I like the new Competition SK EX sound on the 901, but it wasn’t enough to sway me toward the CA901. There was a more noticeable difference in the feel of the action with the Novus feeling much more authentic to me. Overall both are excellent instruments and I would be happy with either of them. I personally feel if you want the most realistic sound and feel then go for the Novus if it fits your budget. Unfortunately I haven’t been able to try the Roland LX 9 so I can give an opinion, but I suspect it is quite good based on reviews. In general I haven’t liked the sound of the Roland’s as well as the Kawai’s, but that is subjective. As almost everyone has noted it really does come down to personal preference. These instruments are at the upper tier of digital and hybrid instruments and all of them are likely very good.