Thank you for the review, Stu! I love the thorough reviews you guys are publishing. I’ve actually purchased four digital pianos because of your review ( FP10, CN29, LX705, CA99) . You guys deserve a kick back from Roland and KAWAI Japan. 😊 Anyway I tested CN201 at a local KAWAI dealer the other day. As you mentioned , the key noise of CN201 has been dramatically reduced compared to CN29. It seems that KAWAI doesn’t mention in their catalogue but this is kind of a big deal as many people use a digital piano when sound management is important. And I love the fact that you mentioned this in your review.
Thank you kindly for supporting our channel! I know Stu appreciates your kind words immensely. Our mission is simply to educate piano players and enthusiasts. We find great satisfaction in hearing that players like yourself have found our video reviews and comparisons helpful through their piano journey and process. Thanks again and all the best! :)
Hi, Stu. Thanks so much for another great video. I had sampled the CN201 a few weeks ago and I felt immediately at home with the instrument, which I never felt that way with th CN29 (which, objectively, is a very good instrument itself.) I think the subtle differences in the action along with the chipset made this piano a more refined, musically rewarding instrument. Bluetooth audio is really icing on the cake. For a piano focused hobbyist such as myself, there aren't many pianos out there this satisfying and this good value for money. Cheers from Turkey, Ali.
Hi Ali! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thank you for taking the time to tune into the video and share your insights! Kawai is always innovating and upping their game. The subtle changes in the CN201 are quite meaningful and I'm glad that they have connected with you. Thanks again and all the best! :)
Stu, you’re the man. And shoutout to your video / production team. Super well made and extremely helpful reviews. I’ve been debating getting a Kawai KDP 120, Roland RP 107, or Yamaha YDP 145 as my next digital piano but I’ll be saving up for a cn201 thanks in large part to all of your in depth reviews. Thanks!
Hi! Brent here! Thanks so much for supporting our videos and channel! We appreciate it. I'll be sure to pass along your kind words to Stu for you! All the best with saving up for the CN201. It is a fantastic instrument and will be well worth the wait. :)
Thank you so much for all of your videos, they are so helpful!! I'm getting my cn201 tomorrow! I went to the store thinking I'd buy the kdp120 (after watching one of your reviews as well) but once I tried the cn201... it felt so much like an acoustic piano that I couldn't resist. Can't wait! Thanks again :)
You're very welcome! Congratulations on your CN201! It is an amazing piano as you got to experience firsthand. The KDP120 is a remarkable piano in its own regard, but the CN201 is definitely a meaningful step up. You will be very happy with it! :)
Kawai's partnership with Onkyo started in 2016 with the prototype CS-X1 (which was probably a CS11 with blue LED's, kind of like the precursor of the NV5S and had the same specs of the ES920 tone engine). Onkyo developed a surround system for the CS-X1 with 4 speaker towers around the room which included "Atmos" speakers. That is in addition to the digital piano built-in speakers. The soundstage effect was called "Scene Rendering" because it attempted to reproduce a concert hall reverb in a small room. So, my guess is that the SK-EX Rendering gets its name from that original idea, but instead of using 4 speaker towers they have probably recreated the effect on the tone generator.
Thank you for a very extensive, thorough review - so detailed, I’m sure it can be little too technical for my level, nevertheless, I still appreciate the time and effort Stu. So today, went to look at acoustics that I may like, (loved the K300 by the way), but ended up trying more digital pianos also, and really loved the CN201!! It totally blew me away. Especially having tried the KDP120 and the ES120 and not liking them at all!! The CN201, is my new digital piano contender, I even prefer it over the CLP725 (tried that on Saturday)!! I decided to hold off on getting an acoustic for now, as I am based in London, UK, and have neighbours adjoining either side (I know there is the pedal that reduces the sound) - I think an acoustic may end up a little too loud 😊.
You're very welcome! Thank you for tuning in and for the kind words! Congratulations on your brand new Kawai CN201! It is an amazing digital piano and the new updates to the model (particularly in regard to the action) are quite meaningful and ensure that it provides an incredible playing experience. Thanks again and happy playing! :)
Oh!! I haven’t purchased it yet - I was looking around and inadvertently ended up trying it, and it just blew me away! I’d never been on the 2 previous Kawasaki digital pianos that I’d tried previsouly. The CN201 action felt just right for me. Though I’m a beginner, I have weekly lessons on a good, upright acoustic (a Feurich), on which the action is nice and cushiony, and I have become used to that feel…. I love this review Stuart, as you showcase it so well, especially the different voices, and in my opinion, it sounds just as amazing via your video as how I experienced it in person. I also liked the Yamaha Clavinova 725, but it lacks bluetooth, so that rules it out for me!
The CN29 is a wonderful piano! And I couldn't agree more regarding the SKEX sounds. They're some of the most authentic piano sounds on the market at this price point. :)
Thanks Stu because of you i could compare all digital pianos ,then step up a range , until i got to the sweet spot ,this CN 201 . it came tuesday ,and it was everything i expected . feels like playing an acoustic piano ,the instrument samples are of high quality and dont sound electronic. cant believe how good these digital pianos are these days , only paid 1200 euros(1350 u$) so fun to use bluetooth for playalong i started out wanting to spend 800 ish ,but 1200 was the spot where it felt like a good deal of tech for my money ,like the RH3 (Nord Grand buyers pay $1500 extra for that RH3 )
Hi! Brent here! Thanks so much for writing in and congrats on your Kawai CN201! They're exceptional digital pianos with a great touch and tone. The new RHIII actions are great as well! Super authentic feeling, super durable, and very quiet. We're glad that you found our video reviews and comparisons useful through your process. Thanks again and happy playing! :)
I am commenting here because my path is really similar to yours. I was planning to spend around 800 euros, but after watching these reviews, I thought I would be losing sound quality and will get the cn201 instead. Just waiting to find a good deal on those. Cheapest I can find is 1250 now. Thanks @bassax for sharing your experience and all Merriam Music for the incredible videos.
@@MerriamPianos Hallo again, I ended up buying the CN201 as an upgrade to my ex-ES110 last February. I am really satisfied☺ with it, and it suits my requirements as a beginner. Kind regards, Elias 👋
Thank you for this excellent review. I've watched a lot of channels reviewing pianos, but most weren't interesting or honest enough to hit the subscribe button. You're the first. I really start to like Kawai models. It's a pity we're an ocean apart, else I would have been at your doorstep. BTW, any (positive) changes in the ADSR department?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thank you! We appreciate you tuning in and subscribing. Kawai make wonderful acoustic and digital pianos to say the least. I have not had a chance to play the CN201 personally yet as it just arrived, so I cannot comment on any sonic differences between it and the CN29. With that said, I am looking forward to sitting down with it this week! :)
Thank you for the review! Looking for the first digital piano to learn playing and to be future proof. Would you rather go with Kawai CN201, Casio AP-470, Yamaha YDP-165? I am more fan of listening to popular songs covers or film music covers (interstellar, etc.) played on a piano. Not sure if I'll feel difference picking any of them. Very similar cost. Speakers are similar, keyboard I think is similar based on internet reviews, but not sure, can't feel real difference touching them. I like the ivory touch on them but all of them (compared to YDP-145 for example which is plastic finish) are plastic anyway. Ivory touch makes it looks good over the years, can't see scratches on the keys. For the Casio, shops not having them in the offer says Casio does not make acoustic pianos and thus they don't know how to build good digital piano. Not sure if this is true entirely or only compared to cheaper or more expensive models. Thank you for any advice in advance!
Hi! Brent here! Thank you for tuning in and for sending in your question! :) Firstly, suggesting that Casio does not know how to make good digital pianos is simply not the case. The GP310 and GP510 models in particular exemplify this notion. Casio collaborated with C. Bechstein, a company that is widely regarded as one of the top piano manufacturers in the world, to build those particular pianos. They have an excellent touch and tone that provides on of the closest experiences to an acoustic piano in a digital format. At the end of the day, the pianos that you have boiled things down to are all excellent options. It really comes down to what your particular musical preferences are. For me, the CN201 is the preference in this particular price category. In addition to having a wonderfully authentic piano tone and excellent speaker system, the RHIII action is a tremendous feeling touch. It is solid without being overly stiff feeling and it is fully-weighted without being unnaturally heavy and sluggish feeling. The AP470 has the lightest touch of this particular batch of instruments, which, depending on taste, may be the preference. Thanks and hope this helps a bit! :)
@@MerriamPianos Hello Brent! Thank you very much for the quick answer. I am considering CN201 as a number one but wanted to ask if I missed anything. I think I'll go with it!
@@MerriamPianos I saw the CN201 again today and this is what I'll buy in next few days. Thanks again for your review Stu! Also, the music store I visited has acoustic pianos and I had opportunity to play some melody on the Yamaha S3X PE and that was wonderful experience. Never touched acoustic piano before. I was a bit shocked how loud and bright it is with no speakers :)
Hi Stu! Thank you for another great review. Your videos are always so helpful. I have a question. When you said "medium-sized room" in the video, what kind of room measurements are you thinking of? I think people imagine different kinds/sizes of rooms when they hear that. It would also be great if you could also tell us what you mean when you might say large or small sized room in other videos. I'm trying to decide what kind of speaker power I would like for my place. Thank you!
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for the kind words and for the question! While there are no set in stone parameters when it comes to classification of room sizes, here are some general guidelines I tell customers: Small Room: 10 ft x 13 ft. (130 square feet) Medium: 12 ft x 18 ft. (216 square feet) Large: anything beyond the Medium size With that said, it is important to note that there are other factors that come into play when choosing an appropriate volume output for a room. Carpets/rugs, heavy curtains, and a room densely populated with furniture are all factors that will absorb sound and reduce the sonic impact within a room.
@@MerriamPianos Thank you very much for the helpful reply. :) I ended up getting the Roland LX705GP white SHIRO version sold only by Shimamura in Japan. My finalists were Roland LX705 and Kawai CA401. They were in a similar price range in Japan when I was looking. Among other things, I compared the speakers at a shop, and Roland LX705's speaker sound was way better.
Very nice job on this review and many other reviews on this channel! Could you also do a review the Yamaha Clp-785? Maby a comparison with the kawai ca-99? Im very curious on how those models compare in terms of action and sound quality.
Thank you kindly! We appreciate it! We do our best to tackle as many community-suggested review/comparison videos as possible and will certainly add the CA99 vs CLP785 to the list. We will do our best! :)
I haven't played the CLP-785 yet, but I have played the baby grand version of it, which is the CLP-795GP. I have also played the CA99 and NU1X. It must be noted that the CA99 uses Kawai's most advanced tone generator (the same found in the Novus series), whereas the Clavinova series does not use Yamaha's most advanced tone generator. The best Yamaha CFX recreation is found on the AvantGrand series, not on the Clavinova series. However, Kawai allows the CA79/99 to have the same tone generator of the Novus series. I see this as an advantage in getting a Kawai CA99 over a CLP-785. The CLP-785 and the NU1X are almost the same price, so I would skip the CLP-785 and get the NU1X, which has Yamaha's best tone generator as well as a real piano action.
Stu, another great review. We had a wonderful Yamaha U-1 upright that served us well for years. My son fell in love with piano and quickly eclipsed my skills. Unfortunately the U1 progressively got brighter and brighter until we had to keep the u-1 on practice mode as it really was too bright and then I sold it ahead of a relocation from NY to FL. Id like to buy a piano but don't want the hassle of keeping it in tune in the humid Florida weather as the windows will be open a lot. Digital piano to the rescue. Im hoping to spend $2,500 or less...what's your recommendation that i consider? Im ok plugging it i to external speakers if that will create a much better sound but i want to keep my son's interest alive. He's 9 now. Im thinking a great digital piano for now and then in 1 year when we likely move out of our rental and into a home we will then buy an acoustic piano in the $5-10k range if there's anything worthwhile. Thoughts?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! It is awesome to hear that your son has fallen in love with the piano and has taken to it so quickly. As far as digital pianos in that price category, the CN201 and CA49 are both wonderful pianos from Kawai that offer a playing experience that many players find greatly outperform their price point. Because Kawai is really focused on the piano playing experience opposed to lots of other bells and whistles, it might be the perfect fit for what you're looking for. Thanks and hope this helps! :)
@@MerriamPianos thanks Brent! Do you have a store in NY of Florida? We need to sit down and play each to decide. Stu has been so great I would go to Merriam music as my first stop.
@@MerriamPianos thanks for your work :)! Getting back to the playing. I have a question, if you don't mind me asking. I know you are not being a music teacher in the videos. But if you allow me, i will ask.
Thanks very much for the review!!! I just love it! We are hesitating bt the cn 201 and the Yamaha clp725 but there are no vídeos comparing those 2. Would you recommend one over the other ? Thanks in advance
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! We try to tackle as many relevant comparisons as possible, but, as you can imagine, it is difficult to get to every single one. With that said, the CN201 and CLP725 are both very solid digital pianos. In my personal opinion, I think the CN201 is a superior instrument to the CLP725. However, that is a very subjective answer. I prefer the warmer tonal profile of the Kawai digitals. From a touch standpoint, I find them both to be quite stable and accurate actions.
@@luisamartinezruiz3026 I played the Casio CN29 and 201 as well as others, compared to Yamaha, I much prefer the claviniva clp 700 series. The clp735 is an incredible instrument.
Hi, I'm choosing between kawai CN201 and yamaha CLP-725. (I apologize in advance for possible mistakes in the text. The translator is to blame) ) ) Kawai has counterweights, yamaha has a return mechanism. Which of these makes the keyboard closer to an acoustic keyboard? Also, the yamaha has textured keys. The kawaii's are matte. How good is the grip on the matte keys? Is the texture an advantage or is there no difference in practice? I don't have a chance to play these instruments. I'm choosing blindly. On the reviews the sound is recorded through the line. That's why it's hard to evaluate the quality of samples. I play mostly classical music. I love to play Chopin and Rachmaninoff. What do you recommend?
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for the question! It all comes down to a matter of personal preference of course. I personally align with the Kawai CN201 for classical playing. I find the counterweighted RHIII action and the warm SK-EX concert grand samples to be an excellent combination for classical/romantic playing. The Kawai keys also have Ivory Touch key surfaces, so they offer an excellent feeling of connectivity. The textured keys can provide greater control and connectivity depending on a player's preferences.
Hi Stu, a very good review thankyou so much ! On your website the ES920 with matching pedal and stand costs almost the same with the CN201. I am really confused which one should I buy? Because the are so many good reviews with the ES920. I only play classical pieces, and portability is not a must (tho bit of a plus) for me. Soundwise, which one is better? Feelingwise, if im not mistaken CN201 resembles a real piano better right? Is there a noticeable diff?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! The ES920 and CN201 are both excellent digital piano models that are very well-aligned for classical playing. There is a lot of overlap between the two models. They both utilize the same RHIII action, but the CN201 model uses an updated version of the action with additional cushioning. This lowers the mechanical key noise and gives it a bit more of a solid feel. With that said, the ES920 has a superior tone engine, which yields a more nuanced and authentic piano tone. At the end of the day, it really comes down to a matter of personal preference. If form factor is not a concern, I would personally lean towards the ES920 model myself due to the higher quality tone engine.
The CN29 is fantastic and its successor, the CN201, is certainly no exception. I believe the point Stu is making in the video is that the upright sample set on the CN201 features full 88-note sampling, which is not always the case for the secondary piano sounds on digital pianos.
Hi Stu. Thanks for the great video(s) thats been really helpful in informing me on whats out there on the market. Need help with a decision if you have a moment 🙏 Was going to purchase a Kawaii KDP120 for $1499, but then see that the CN29 in the color Im looking for in a piano is only $1699, so was gonna opt for that since I think its just a better piano than that in every way from what Ive seen from videos (not 100% sure since I know its older). However now seeing this CN201 for $2199 and while I might be able to stretch the budget for it, wondering if its really that big a leap to be $500 more. Do you have any suggestions on this dilemma? For reference, I'm very new to playing. Want an instrument I can really grow with the next few years and play lots of game/movie soundtracks as well as some jazz/classical formal and improv. Not sure if any of that matters, just providing info in case it does. Thanks so much for the quality and entertaining content!
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thank you for the question! At the end of the day, the decision is a personal one of course. I will say that, if budget permits, making the jump from a KDP120 to either a CN29 or CN201 would lead to a meaningful improvement in the piano experience. In terms of the debate between the CN29 and CN201, they are quite comparable in most regards. The big updates to the CN201 (aside from aesthetic details like the control panel design) are the speaker system and action. The speaker system has been redesigned, which, for me, has a bit more of a rounder, refined sound than its predecessor. The RHIII action has also been updated with additional cushioning. This makes the action a bit more solid feeling and significantly reduces mechanical key noise. If slightly more mechanical key noise is not a major concern, the CN29 would be an excellent value buy in my opinion. :)
Hi! Brent here! They are both excellent options and the choice would come down to subjectivity of course. With that said, the CN201 is generally considered to be rated one tier higher than the F701 and RP701 models.
Hey there I've just started to play piano exactly one year ago and I want to buy the cn29 tomorrow in a piano store here. After this review I'm uncertain, now my question, is the cn201 worth the extra money? Thank you for the great reviews 🙏
You're very welcome! It really just depends on what your priorities. From a purely musical perspective (action and sound), I wouldn't say there is a massive difference between the two models. The big update to the action is the extra cushioning, which helps reduce the key noise of the instrument. If that is not a major concern and won't affect your satisfaction or ability to use the instrument in the way that you want, then I think CN29 is a good bet. It all comes down to whether you see value in the updates that have been provided. Hope this helps! :)
Imho, as you are a beginner it will be very difficult foe you to notice the musical differences. But bluetooth audio is an important feature which, depending on your method of learning, can contribute to your education. Good luck with your journey.
Thank you for your insightful review about Kawai CN 201, I found it really helpful 😊 I'm a classical piano student in a conservatory and I'm looking for a digital piano that has heavy keys (which resembles the grand piano keys), so could you please give me some recommendations? Thank you very much 🙏🏻
You're very welcome! Thanks for tuning in! :) The CN201 or CN301 models would be an excellent choice, but, depending on budget, higher-end models like the CA701 and CA901 would prefer a longer, heavier key, which is more akin to an acoustic grand piano feel. :
Thank you for your response! To be clear: when using the USB-port to DAW software on the computer, does the computer capture/record the audio of the piano?
You're welcome! No, when using a DAW to record from the USB port of the CN201, only the MIDI information can be recorded/captured. If you want to capture the audio, you would need an audio interface and you will need to take the headphone output and plug it into one of the interface's audio inputs. :)
Hey Stu, how do you record the audio of the CN201 if it has no line out? (Plus also have the headphones connected?) I’ve been trying to find the answer to this since a while but haven’t been able to.
Hi there! Brent from Merriam Music here! The headphones are plugged into the audio interface (Focusrite Scarlett) and the headphone output is plugged into one of its outputs to capture the audio signal from the CN201. :)
Hi, Is it possible to record songs with USB-MIDI to the computer or is an extra audio interface necessary? And if so, is it still possible to record a song trough the audio interface and use the speakers of the piano?
Hi there! It is possible to record MIDI data onto a computer DAW directly from the USB port of the CN201 without the need for an audio interface. If you are recording MIDI data from the USB port, you can still use the onboard speakers. However, if you are recording audio from the headphone output of the CN201, the speakers will be disengaged.
@@MerriamPianosThank you for your response! To be clear: when using the USB-port to DAW software on the computer, does it capture/record the audio of the piano?
Thanks so much for tuning in! We appreciate it! I would have to ask Stu as to what the first demo piece he played was. Perhaps, one of our helpful community members can assist on that front. :)
Hello there, just have a question. Since i really love to watch your reviews i wondered if you could do one for the Dexibell Vivo H10. Its an interesting digital piano from Italy manufactured by former Roland employees. And its taking a different approach to the Sounds with 15 seconds Long samples for deeper notes for example. I would really like to know what you think of it.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for supporting our channel! We appreciate it. We are not Dexibell dealers, so it might be a bit trickier to tackle that review given that we don't have access to that model offhand. With that said, we try to tackle as many community-suggested reviews as possible and will add that model to the list. Thanks for the suggestion! :)
I really like Stu Review and Demo, he mentioned if CN201 doesn't have Line Out, then how to record the audio of CN201/digital piano that doesn't have Line Out, do you guys just using mic?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for tuning in! We sincerely appreciate it. :) To capture the audio from the tone engine on the CN201, you can take a line out from the headphone outputs. This also works in cases where there are not dedicated line outs.
Great Pleasure to Watch Respected Dear Stu's Piano Review Videos👏 Excellent Piano Player & BEST Reviewer on RU-vid for Piano 👉 Thank you For your help & advice for my Purchase of Kawai CA 78. I am Very happy with my Piano 👍Greeting from INDIA❤️ ALWAYS STAY SAFE🙏
Greetings from Canada! :) Thank you kindly for supporting our channel and sending along such kind words! We sincerely appreciate it. Congratulations on your Kawai CA78! The Concert Artist series instruments are amazing and I know you will be thrilled with it for many years to come. All the best!
@@MerriamPianos Thank You for your Greeting n Reply.Your Chanel is Great👍 I own CA 78 from Launching 2018. Already 4 Years Completed. I was Worried Bcoz it was Just Launch So Demo Was not Possible here in India and without any Personal Checking how can I order this Costly Piano.I am Greatful to Respected Mr.Stu Who help me out n gave answer to my question with his Expert opinion & Suggested me to Buy CA78 without any worry👍 I am Really Very Happy..❤️ ALWAYS STAY SAFE🙏
Is CN 201 one of the best in its price range? My budget is around the same value as CN201 What are the other models in this price range from other manufacturers?
The CN201 is a fantastic option in its price category! I would also recommend checking out the Roland HP702 as well. They are both fantastic, but offer different musical flavours. :)
Hi, could you please make a comparison video between kawai cn201 and the yamaha clp 725? Which is best for you? I can't try them because there are no stores near me. If you had to choose which one would you buy? Thank you very much!
Hi Alessandro! Brent from Merriam Music here! We do our best to tackle as many video requests as possible and will try to do a comparison between theCN201 and CLP725. With that said, there are a lot of video reviews and comparisons in the queue right now that we're working on. As for which one I prefer, I lean more in favour of the CN201. The CN and CLP series instruments are both very excellent and reliable instruments that both offer very solid and rewarding touches. For me, the CN201 has more sonic authenticity. I find the piano samples to be a bit more realistic and versatile. However, that is merely my opinion on the matter. There are many players that would disagree with me based on their musical preferences. Subjectivity is part of the beauty of music! Thanks and hope this helps! :)
@@MerriamPianos Thank you very much! Still depending on your personal taste, which one would you choose for the best keyboard action? The one that comes closest to a real piano? Thank you for you time!
Hi. What happens to those of us who bought Onkyo powder Hybrids? Are Kawai good at keeping a certain amount of discontinued spares in stock? Or is it possible/likely for them to get a new manufacturer to make replacement parts based on the spec of original parts? Thx
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! There is no need to panic in terms of backend warranty support, etc. Kawai is one of the best in the business when it comes to post-sale support. I am confident that all warranties will be supported throughout their entire duration. :)
We have not yet received our first shipment of CN301 pianos from Kawai yet, but you can be that review and comparison videos featuring it will follow shortly after we do. :)
Thanks for uploading every time amazing quality content !!! And also helping for a piano choice going deep into each section. 🤍 That review means only one thing.. The Kawai es120 is going to have a review soon !! Aw i can't wait for your thoughts on that. Good luck with your work.
You're very welcome! Thank you for supporting the channel and taking the time to check out our videos! We are anticipating our first batch of ES120s in approximately 30 days. You can bank on a review and comparison videos following very soon after! ;)
The CN201 does in fact have a different tone engine than the ES920 and CA79, so there will be some differences in terms of the tonal presentation of the piano sounds. :)
Hi Stu! Do you know who develops the audio chipset and speakers on Kawai pianos now that Onkyo is bankrupt? Maybe you would have some idea? Because it matters a lot to me. I have always felt that Yamaha pianos have had the edge over their Kawai and Roland counterparts in terms of speaker performance and amplification. And that is to be expected because Yamaha is one of the top players in the pro audio industry. I want to buy the cn201 but am concerned about its speaker performance which is why I am leaning towards the clp-725. How would you compare the two pianos?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! I am not entirely sure as to who is manufacturing Kawai's audio chipsets and speakers at this time. With that said, given that it would be in conjunction with Kawai, I can attest to the fact that the quality control would be held to the highest standards. For me, the CN201 is far more refined than the CN29, which used the Onkyo designed componentry. The tone engine itself seems to have a more balanced and refined sound and the speaker system fidelity is greatly improved. For me, the CN201 has a far more authentic tone than the CLP725, but it does come down to a matter of preference at the end of the day. My recommendation would be to test out both models in person to decide on which one you resonate with the most. :)
Can you play along with some accompaniments in the CN301? I can´ t find any video with the kawai apps and his available functions regarding rythms. Thanks in advance if you or anyone can give an answer on this....
@@MerriamPianos thank you for your nice videos and reply... if possible just confirm if you're talking of basic drum rhythm or are these 100 accompaniment rhythms where you can finger chord with your left hand and play along?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Here are a few considerations to help differentiate between these models: -KDP75 has a dual sensor RHC action, whereas the KDP120 has a triple sensor RHCII action -KDP75 has an 18W speaker system, whereas the KDP120 has a 40W speaker system -CN201 has a higher-end tone engine (Progressive Harmonic Imaging) compared to both KDP models, which use the Harmonic Imaging engine -CN201 has a more authentic feeling action (RHIII), which has let-off simulation (a feature that neither the RHC and RHCII action include) Thanks and hope this helps! :)
Is the action on this piano bouncy and is it disturbing? I can see that there is a more pronounced fluctuation before the keys settle on their return, after being pressed. I don't see a similar fluctuation with the action on the comparable Yamaha YDP-165, where the keys settle more quickly. I've also seen complaints on the forums that the RH3 action is too bouncy. What say you, is it a distracting quirk that takes some getting used to on the CN201? Thanks.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for the question! While the earlier version of the RHIII action had a more pronounced bounce, the new generation of the RHIII action featured on the new CN models has been reinforced with extra cushioning. In addition to reducing the mechanical key noise, this also seems to make the action a bit more rigid and stable. Overall, I think the RHIII action on the CN201 and CN301 models is extremely rewarding to play. :)
Hi there! Brent from Merriam Music here! Personally, I would say the bigger jump is between the ES520 and ES920 as the RHIII is a significant jump in terms of feel and control from the RHCII.
15:03 Stu made a face play testing EX Modern and didn't showcase this patch, but this is the patch I am the most interested in as it sounds like a Honky Tonk! Is it? However why did they call it "Modern", as it's a 1920s piano sound? Edited-I went to Kawai page to listen to the modern and it doesn't sound like the patch that Stu played there. I am confused now...
I have not experimented with that particular sound myself and, while I do not want to speak on Stu's behalf, going by his expression, I don't believe he favoured the sound! I am not sure as to why they have named the patch "Modern" to be entirely honest. It feels a little counter-intuitive for sure!
@@MerriamPianos thank you for your reply, I'd like to know more about this sound, as the online sample doesn't sound like what Stu played at all... It's a very niche sound, but it's perfect for ragtimes. But I think Stu accidentally layered something rather than played a patch, please ask him to clarify that, if you have the chance. He might have not liked it, but there is a whole ear of music which this patch is perfect for.
Another question please. I noticed with layering two piano sounds on ES8, some variant result on some notes sounding out of tune, because the samples had a couple of HZ difference. Only on some notes, not across the whole keyboard, which I found annoying. It felt like playing an out of tune piano. Is this the case with the new one? thank you!
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! I have not gone into a great level of analysis when it comes to the intonation differences between layered sounds, but, in my initial testings of the CN201, I did not not any displeasing or obvious tuning issues. :)
Yes! There are a number of adjustments that can be made to make the piano tone warmer or more mellow. There are a variety of piano sounds and different voicings available onboard, which are accessible through the tone engine and control interface.
How does the CN 201 compare to an ES 920? The ES920 with the stand is roughly 250€ more expensive and has the better sound engine? The CN 201 has the better action I think because it's not as loud. What about the speaker System? Which model has the better one? I really only need it for home use and I'm unsure if a ES 920 with the stand or a CN 201 would be the better choice.
Just one detail about the speakers and sound propagation: the ES920 has smaller speakers contained in a ported box facing up. The CN201 has no box: the drivers are inside the cabinet and the sound can propagate not only down but also through the keys separation, giving you an indirect multi-dimensional presentation. The ES920 will sound more like a regular speaker system whereas the CN201 will have a different sound presentation.
Hi Sebastian! As Instrumental Covers has pointed out, there are some notable differences in terms of the design and presentation of the speaker system, which will impact the overall sonic experience you get from playing. It is true that Kawai added extra cushioning to the RHIII action on the CN201, which makes it a quieter action, but it will still have a fairly comparable feel and playing experience to the ES920's RHIII. Ultimately, the decision factors would come down to whether a quieter action or improved tone engine is preferred. The question of whether you require portability is also an important one as well! Thanks and hope this helps! :)
The stands made for home pianos are normally stronger than those made for detachable portable pianos, but you should expect to pay a bit more for a home piano with the same action and sound quality as on a portable piano. Accordingly, to me, the ES920 sounds much better than the CN29. Chip? Speakers? Dunno why. I'm not saying that the CN29 isn't good value - you generally get what you pay for, particularly with the same manufacturer. I haven't tried this new CN201 model, but it seems nice in the demo. Admittedly, the only Kawai piano which really interests me right now is the MP-7SE, and it has no speakers. I'd gladly sacrifice speakers for increased functionality, but that's because I do gigs.
@@Instrumental-Covers Greetings. We were discussing GHS a while back. While travelling in Dijon recently, I got to compare the P-45 with the P-125. Happily, the GHS action on the P-125 seemed more agile - a better implementation? Maybe I can recommend this piano to friends/students after all, though I think the P-121 (73-note) concept is better at entry level. The sounds and speakers on the P-121 & P-125 are underrated IMO. I think you said something similar. Apologies to other viewers for this digression.
@@Zoco101 Hi Mike. James from Pianoforever considers the GHS action better than the PHA-4, whereas Stu considers the PHA-4 action better than the GHS. Each gentleman offers his reasons as to why they choose one over the other. I guess it ultimately comes down to personal preference. As you know, Merriam Music is a Kawai/Roland/Casio dealer, so their videos reflect that choice. In turn, the audience comments reflect their affiliation with the same sentiment. That is the reason why you don't see Yamaha well represented in this channel. However, Yamaha is well represented in other channels, both by the presenter and the audience.
Hey thanks for the review! I wanted to ask you something since in the video you are mentioning that this piano has not a line-out port. Is this a big deal if I want to record myself while playing? I would like to know how do you do it in the video. Thank you very much in advance!! 😁
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for tuning in and writing in with your question! While designated line outs are ideal, you can still use the headphone outputs to record and capture your playing. :)
@@MerriamPianos Thanks for your answer! I would like to ask you one more question: after watching almost all of your digital piano reviews, I am still hesitating between two options: the Kawai CN201 and the Kawai CA49. If the price difference is ~400$ what would you choose? Thanks again for your help :)
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! While the updated RHIII action in the CN201 appears to be quieter than the CN29, I have not done any direct comparisons with the CA49. We have received a requests to cover this topic in a video and we have added the idea to a list of potential candidates for upcoming videos.
I could test both a few days ago and personally I would say they are about equal. The CA99 which I could also test is a bit louder and the NV5s one is again a bit louder than that. So in my opinion CN201/CA49 -> CA99 -> NV5s. The older CN29 was also there and I would put it in the CA99 range in terms of key clicks.
It really is a matter of preference! They are both fantastic pianos. I would personally say that the quality of their actions/touch is quite comparable. The big difference would be in the piano tone. My suggestion would be to make your way out to a showroom to compare the two to see which one you favour tonally. :)
Could you please share your ideas about the key actions? I am starter and I had a Roland FP-30X. I was playing at low sound/headphones when I practice. Roland's keys were too heavy for me and they had obvious key sounds. On the other hand the keys weren't feeling plastic at all. How is Kawai CN201's performance compared to Roland's keys?
Hi! Thanks for writing in! The FP30X's PHA4 action is on the heavier side for a plastic key action. It also has a very pronounced escapement simulation. The CN201's RHIII action is a tad lighter in my experiences, but still provides a great sense of connection and control. You might also prefer something like the Kawai ES120 or KDP120 as those actions are a bit lighter and do not have escapement.
Did you see the new Yamaha digital pianos? Yamaha Europe removed the P125 from their website, while Yamaha Australia added a P125a, which looks identical to the P125. Nothing has been changed. They also added a new digital piano, the P-S500, which is very similar to the DGX-670. 😐😐
@@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12 Oh, by the way, I played the Yamaha YDP145 and Kawai KDP75 side by side about 2 weeks ago. I thought they both sounded good and each had their own strengths and weaknesses in terms of sound. 🎵🎵
I am considering the cn201: wonderful sound, good action, Bluetooth but… why they don’t put audio over USB in their instruments? And please, a couple of decent of line out to connect it to an audio interface.
The CN201 is an excellent piano, but it is a bit more streamlined in terms of connectivity. The CN301 model has more options in this regard. However, none of the Kawai digital pianos have audio over USB to my knowledge at this time. Hopefully, this is a feature we see included in future models, as I know it is quite important to some players. :)
Hi! Brent here! I believe the app is available on Android too if I recall correctly. I am an Apple user though. Perhaps, one of our helpful community members that uses Android can confirm. :)
Aesthetics are a highly-subjective and very personal thing. With that said, the CN series is Kawai's mid-tier console digital piano line. It ranks (from low to high): KDP -> CN -> CA -> NV. Hope this helps! :)
It is a matter of preference of course, but, when it comes to non-piano sounds, different digital pianos have different strengths and weaknesses of course.
We try to be as thorough as possible. With that said, all of our videos are time stamped to ensure that viewers can quickly navigate to the sections and topics that interest them most. :)
