Overview: 1:24
Sound: 3:28
Actions: 18:23
Features: 24:10
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#CA79 #LX705 #DigitalPiano
Thanks for being here with us at the Merriam Pianos KZfaq channel. We’ve got another shootout video for you today, comparing two of the most popular premium home digital pianos currently on the market - the Kawai CA79 and Roland LX705.
This is a great matchup in many ways, and most notably, they’re very close in price. Many folks looking in this quality/price range will probably be comparing these two models, so we’re excited to do a deep comparison.
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Piano Overview:
The digital piano industry have come a very long way in just the last 10 years, and the CA79 and LX705 both attest to this. Both instruments showcase the latest technology and are representative of the latest industry trends.
For example, both instruments feature sound modeling technology as opposed to the traditional approach of a sample-based engine. Both instruments feature extensive speaker systems arrays, both instruments are designed to sit in a living room and actually add furniture value, and both are legitimately intended to act as alternatives or replacements to an acoustic piano of approximately the same cost. This would have been unthinkable 10 years ago, where even the top digital pianos on the market were still viewed as a compromise to an acoustic piano.
Piano Sound
The CA79 features a 6 speaker array, driven by a single, 2 channel stereo amplifier with 100 watts of output power. The speaker and amplification system was developed in concert with audio company Onkyo. The LX705 on the other hand features a 4 speaker setup, driven by 2 distinct amplifiers, with a total of 60 watts of output power.
The speakers configurations are quite different, which contributes to distinctly different playing experiences between the two instruments. For one, there’s a totally different dynamic response between the two. I feel like I can get a more controlled, authentic pianissimo on the CA79 vs the LX705, This has to do with the lack of compression Kawai applies at this dynamic level. That said, the LX705 is more forgiving to play, so some folks will prefer this.
On the other hand, Roland’s reverb engine is cleaner, and has a higher fidelity than the Kawai’s. Subtleties like this are why you’ll definitely want to try and compare these instruments side by side in a showroom.
Piano Action
We’ve got two actions here that are actually quite different. The LX705 features Roland’s PHA50 action, with a wood/plastic hybrid, triple sensor action with escapement that is pretty common throughout the upper half of Roland’s lineup. This action has been around for a few years and is known for durability. There’s a nice texture on the white and black keys, and I personally prefer the texture on these white keys over the action in the CA79.
The CA79 uses Kawai’s new Grand Feel III action, which is different right off the top since it features a full length wooden key stick, which approximates the length of an acoustic piano key stick. This action also has a triple sensor and escapement, plus counterweights.
In terms of the response and repetition speed, the Grand Feel III is a little bit faster. That said, these are both great, professional-quality piano actions.
Piano Features/Connectivity
In terms of the features, there aren’t really too many differences between these two instruments. They both have all of the same connectivity ports (headphones, line-in, line out, both USB types), along with Bluetooth MIDI and Bluetooth Audio, which means each instrument can function as a large Bluetooth Speaker.
Both have the ability to record internally, both have tons of demo songs and method book repertoire. Basically, both instruments have all the features one would expect for a piano in this class.
Conclusions:
Simply, these are both great, class-leading instruments poised to duke it out through their respective product runs. We’d recommend comparing both if you’re looking at something in this quality range.
Thanks for watching!
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