Yamaha PSR-E373 vs. Yamaha PSR-E473 (EW425) Piano Voices

[@BensMusicDojo]

I bought the 373 for my kid, and was blown away by the quality. Piano players might scoff at these machines, but as a longtime guitar player, I have been seriously impressed. The drum tracks are great for jamming along with my guitar or trying to work through chords on the keyboard. I’m thinking about buying the 425 now just for the extra keys and the mic input.

[@PianoTone]

I totally agree - I’ve seen some online blind comparisons between these and digital pianos costing in the thousands and they hold their own. When I compared my Casiotone CT-S1 to my PX-S1100 (4x as much) same thing not a massive difference. And take them onstage with other musicians and room/crowd noise at a gig and any difference is pretty much gone. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe

[@BensMusicDojo]

@@PianoTone researching these keyboards, it also seems that many feel the actual action and key beds of the keyboards are not suited for high level piano playing. As a guitarist, I feel I can play much faster on the synth keys than acoustic piano keys, and that no audience member would notice the difference in sensitivity and articulation if the keyboard was being played a master. The debate reminds me of guitarists believing that thicker strings produce better tone, which has been pretty much debunked.

[@TheMg49]

I bought a new ew425 recently, not just for the extra keys and mic input, which are themselves good reasons, but also for the better recording capabilities, the built in speakers (12 watts each), pitch bend wheel, and a few other things. The keys have a high quality feel to them too. So far I like it a lot, and hope to create some original (for me anyway) music with it.

[@ShellyAnderson0624]

Another excellent video! Yes, the EW425 seemed fuller in some instances. One thing is that it has bigger onboard speakers (6W X 6W), where the 373 has 2.5W X 2.5W, which might be noticeable and useful for home use, but they sound very similar. I love the fact that first-time keyboard users can afford something like the 373. I would have been happy enough with my PSR-EW310, but really needed the mic input.

[@PianoTone]

Thanks so much! Actually the speakers won’t affect that comparison; the recording was done with direct audio from the outputs on each keyboard (if it was a speaker comparison it would be a massive difference - the speakers on the EW425 are spectacular!). I agree about the 373 it’s pretty amazing value for such an inexpensive keyboard; the 310 would be even better with the extra few keys (I’m really glad I got the 425 instead of the 473 for that reason - and for the speakers; and wow that mix input really does add a massive amount of value) Thanks again!

[@josephkeck4752]

Hello Tony, have subbed...I'm playing a ew410 for 3 years, did you say key action on ew425 is similar to korg ek 50?? Thank you

[@PianoTone]

Hey thanks for the sub! The action on the 425 definitely feels a bit better quality to me than the 463 or 373; but I have never touched a 410 so can't say for sure if that one is any different. It partially FEELS better, but I also think the dynamic range on the 425 is far better done than on the 373/463 (I can control my dynamics far easier). As far as the Korg EK50 goes, it's been a while, but that keybed is still probably better feeling (imo) than the 425; it also has the true full size piano key width which the 425 doesn't. Hope that helps!

[@alexanderwilliams1731]

I love the piano sound on the e373!!!

[@PianoTone]

It’s pretty amazing for the price isn’t it? Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe

[@grooveroid]

The dynamics seem way better on the EW425, which was most noticeable on the organ voices. The sound on the verse of Riders really showed off the difference between these two which was way superior on the EW425 I thought.

[@PianoTone]

Glad you noticed the dynamics on the 425 - they both have the same velocity options and are set the same, but the 425 is a lot better in the regard - they definitely improved the keybed (the 373 was better than the 463 but the 425 is better still) Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe

[@theloniousspheremonk1583]

Thanks for this excellent comparison. I believe the E373 amplifier is 2,5+2,5 W with 12V supply while the EW425 is 12+12W at 24 V. Besides, the last one speakers looks pretty bigger. Considering that, I would expect a bigger dynamic range in this one. I believe I perceive that on your samples.Anyway, I wouldn't expect any differences when connecting the piano to external amplifier and speakers. It would be worth testing that. In any case, it's kind of an unfair comparison, as the ew-425 is currently around the 600€ anf the e373 slightly over 200€

[@PianoTone]

Hi there! Yes the speakers are more powerful but I wasn’t using the speakers for this video both keyboards were connected with line outs to my audio interface. So the difference we hear (even though the source sample is the same) is likely to be from higher polyphony and a newer processor. And yeah it is an unfair comparison given the price, but I wanted to see how much of a difference there would be :) Thanks for checking it the channel feel free to subscribe

[@amusic9825]

600€? That's very expensive. You better buy DGX670 instead it's much better than the EW425.

[@lindadenny1957]

The PSR 373 actually hurt my ears on the higher notes, where the PSR EW 425 was lovely and richer sounding, I certainly noticed the difference between the two.

[@PianoTone]

I do think the upgraded processor and polyphony make a difference - thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe

[@mikolajmikun5337]

Can You write something what You think about problem with Lcd display in psr 473? Service of yamaha replace bad display to new... but the new still is bad. My lcd have not issue.

[@PianoTone]

Hi there - hard for me to comment on that issue until I have seen it sorry!

[@pamelak3800]

I was lucky, I could send mine back in time to be refunded. I was alerted to the problem through a video, thank goodness! I really wanted to keep it but I didn't want to take a chance with that coming up in the future for what I paid! Now I'm looking for something with the mic input to replace it? Thank's

[@mikolajmikun5337]

@@pamelak3800 Jeremy See told more about lcd problem in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/banMY6yZp99ofKs

[@ShellyAnderson0624]

@@pamelak3800 Thankfully mine was OK. I did hear about that manufacturing flaw and found out that the problem is apparent from the beginning and doesn't appear later. It wouldn't be fun to deal with. There hasn't been a problem with the PSR-EW425 from what I've heard. There's the Yamaha DGX-670, but I couldn't afford it. It's wonderful and also has a microphone input, but there is a huge difference in price.

Hello PianoTone 🇨🇦 I'm new to this keyboard world and I would like to have your advice. I'm thinking of buying the 425 model once they have stock at L&M so I can try one. Is it worth purchasing the extended warranty? Thank and I Love your KZbin channel. 👍👍🇨🇦👍👍

[@PianoTone]

Thanks so much appreciate the kind words! I personally have never bought the extended warranty on anything from L&M (in particular bigger brand names like Yamaha); it's possible one day I might regret that I guess, but I haven't so far :) Hope that helps!

[@mykerivers8334]

I definitely heard a difference.Your lower keyboard had a much warmer sound.More full like. I just liked it a lot more. Both sound good. I'm really considering of getting the PSR-e473.

[@PianoTone]

It is an awesome keyboard; huge value for $! Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe

[@mykerivers8334]

I've been looking at keyboards for a long time.I broke down and bought the Akia mini. It's Shit. I'm sorry I bought the thing. But the PSR E473 looks like it would do me good. Your videos are buy far the best for learning how to properly use it. And yes the price is decent for what you get. Thank You, I hope to make videos with it. But I need practice, @@PianoTone

[@otooleger]

Thanks for this great comparison. I am trying to decide between the ew310 and ew425. I want the 76 keys. I understand the e373 and ew310 are identical. My ear is probably not as acute as yours but I feel the differences in sound is very subtle, they are both very good.. I don't think I could identify either keyboard in a 'blind' test. Will I lose out by going with the ew310 in other ways?

[@PianoTone]

Thanks so much glad you enjoyed the video! The voices on the 425 are a bit better, but I agree it is quite subtle. The bigger differences between the 2 has more to do with other features. With the 425 you get: - MUCH bigger speakers (24watts vs 5) - mic input (only matters if you want to sing) - L/R line outs (preferred over headphone out if you want to connect to amps, PA systems, mixers-for performing) - 6 track MIDI recorder for recording MIDI instead of 2 track - USB port to record audio to (or play back audio from) - more control over the accompaniment; big thing is you can mute individual style parts - nicer user interface (more buttons etc) - slightly better keybed (in my opinion; more dynamic control) So it depends how important those features are for you. Hope that helps! Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe

[@otooleger]

@@PianoTone Thanks PianoTone. Sorry, I thought i had subscribed but i must have just hit like button. i have fixed that now. I am taking your advice and i have placed an order for the EW425. It provides a lot more for the extra money. This is my first keyboard in over fifty years ( a retirement present for myself) so hopefully I can remember a few keys. Your channel has been a great help in helping me choose so thanks for all that.

[@PianoTone]

@@otooleger Thanks so much! And I think you made the right choice; the 310 is awesome, but for the extra $ the 425 is a pretty massive upgrade (and then you won't be selling a 310 in a year and buying a 425 anyways). You may have found my series on the 473/425 already but if not here is a link to a bunch of review and how-to videos on the 425: kzbin.info/aero/PL_W0EMCT9oNapVXgSMoMoVV2QDzpClNEd Congrats on your purchase I hope it arrives soon!

[@otooleger]

@@PianoTone Thanks. Delivery is due either Saturday or Monday. Can't wait to try out some of your other videos - i have a a quick look already. Thanks

[@foudelou]

Thanks a lot for this comparison, I was hoping someone would do it. I actually find the differences more than subtle, each time clearly better on the 425, even though it musn't be a problem when not in a direct comparison Now I have to make a decision .. I feel like 61 keys will be too limiting for me (I come from a digital piano) so I'm leaning toward the EW310 and the EW425 but the latter one is quite expensive. What about the ergonomy and the functionalities ? Do you have something to say about it ? :D The 373 seems like it's not really practical to use when fiddling or is it me ?

[@PianoTone]

If you come from a piano (like me) I would highly recommend going to the 310 or 425 (especially if you decide you don't want to spend the extra on the 425). I like the 373, but the lack of direct access buttons to octave shift is super frustrating for me; I almost always have to shift the octave down 1, and you have to deep dive into the menu on the 373 to do that (on the 473/425 you have these buttons so it's easy). So if you're going to choose the less expensive ones, I would DEFINITELY say go for the 76 keys on the 310 - less octave shifting will make you much happier! One other thing I've noticed since I made my reviews is that my control over dynamics is significantly better on the 425 than the 373 (I often play too hard on the 373) - so I think the velocity sensors on the 473/425 are improved. Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe!

[@foudelou]

@@PianoTone thanks for the insight. After some thinking I'm more aware of what kind of keyboard I'm researching. I want to have fun, nothing serious, with soundscapes sounds, maybe some adjustable synths sounds, and orchestral sounds according to my mood, but still with the possibility to play piano (so exit real dedicated synths, 76 keys for sure). It seems like the E473/EW425 have more possibilities for that with the live knobs, bend wheel, motion effect (even though it's fixed) and the more complete FX (attack, release, filter) who can totally change the sample sounds (like adding long attacks and decay to create atmospheric sounds). also more registrations (I think it'll be important for me). Seems like a more complete initiation to the world of arrangers (maybe even to the synth world ?), the price difference seems justified. The E373 and especially its interface seems more lacking for what I want. Also, do you know if any of those keyboard has a "powerful" orchestral voice ? Like according to how strong you hit the keys you hear just strings or more instruments like brass and drums ? That's one of the thing that made me want to change my piano for an arranger :D

[@PianoTone]

​@@foudelou Sounds like the 473 or 425 might definitely be more for you with the added effects and live knobs. The E373 is great for the price, but nowhere near the same level of control. There are some awesome orchestra options in the voices on these keyboards (if you look on Yamaha's site for the "data list" you can browse the voice names): europe.yamaha.com/files/download/other_assets/4/1544204/psre473_en_fr_es_de_ja_dl_a0.pdf I don't however know of any voices that have velocity triggered sample changes (that include/exclude other instruments) though. Hope that helps!

[@fr4nk_a964]

Hola el ew425 no presenta ese problema en la pantalla como el 473 qué se empieza a apagar a los meses? , gracias

[@PianoTone]

I never had any problems with my screen and I have owned it for over a year. Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe

[@Franswa]

Very cool comparison! I think I prefer the voice of the 425 but overall both sound really good...

[@PianoTone]

Thanks Frans!

[@kailashtiwari5007]

For beginners which one is better, E373 or E473 ?

[@PianoTone]

The 473 is a much better keyboard overall (slightly better sounds, more features, better speakers, better connectivity), but the 373 is still an awesome choice for beginners and is still a great keyboard (and less $!). Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe

[@Rebecaimperatriz52073]

Não mudou muito não um do outro

[@PianoTone]

The voices are close; the features are far better on the 473/425 Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe.

[@lindadenny1957]

The 373 hurt my ears.

[@1961rmjh]

All 3 different keyboards have different speaker systems and different power output ratings on each amplifier. It's obvious that there will be a difference in sound quality between them for this main reason alone. 🙋‍♂🙋‍♂🙋‍♂🙋‍♂🙋‍♂🙋‍♂🙋‍♂🙋‍♂🙋‍♂ The EW425 has 12 W + 12 W amplifiers. The E473 has 6 W + 6 W amplifiers. The older E373 has 2.5 W + 2.5 W amplifiers. Regardless of the other differences between them such as polyphony, these three differently-powered keyboards will obvously have different sounds not least a deeper resonance for lower notes via the larger amplifiers (and the speakers coming with and designed for them). I am very surprised that you don't make this point at the start. Have you not realised that each keybboard you are supposedly comparing for sound quality have completey different power ratings and capabilities?

[@PianoTone]

The video is recorded with direct audio out signals not with the speakers; direct into an audio interface then into my phone.

[@1961rmjh]

@@PianoTone Oh I see. Watching you play and present without any headphones on or just resting on your head suggested that you were simply listening to the speakers of each keyboard ...though later in the movie I saw a lead dangling that might have been a headphone lead. I have to say that these are all pretty much beginner or advanced beginner/ intermediate keyboards so the tiny difference in quality of the voices is not going to matter much really.