The Kawai CA79 incorporates many of the same features as the flagship CA99, leading many to regard it as a high-value alternative to the top model in the class. We're going to start right away by checking out the piano sound and moving on from there.
Be sure to check out the companion video for a more in-depth review and some playing examples.
Kawai CA79 Piano Sound
The first thing that stands out about the Kawai CA79 is the sound engine, which happens to be the exact same sound engine featured in not only the Kawai CA99 but also in Kawai's most advanced digital pianos - the NOVUS NV10S and NV5S.Shigeru Kawai SKEX Rendering Engine
The centerpiece of this sound engine is Kawai SK-EX Rendering Pianist Mode, which features an 88-note multi-channel sampling of their premium Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand piano with additional Resonance Modelling added on.With this mode engaged, you're given access to what is without question one of the most advanced piano sound engines available in a digital piano and delivers a truly stunning piano playing experience.
For all other tones, Kawai's Harmonic Imaging XL sound engine (HI-XL), which also features stereo sampling and some acoustic rendering of parameters, is also included (66 presets available in this engine.)
Limitless Polyphony
If the sound engine is your top priority, the Kawai CA79 gives you literally the exact same sound engine as the NOVUS NV10S for about 1/4 of the price, and the limitless polyphony on piano tones that this entails.At this point, you might notice the CA79 has the same action as the CA99, and since the sound engines are the same, wonder why anyone would spring for the 99. The speaker system is where a very large difference emerges.
Speaker System
The Kawai CA79 uses a conventional speaker system, while the CA99 adds a real solid spruce soundboard which functions as a giant, additional speaker. When playing acoustically, the difference is actually quite significant in terms of the presence and warmth.We also found that the CA99 plays perfectly out of the box, whereas the CA79 took a little bit of tweaking inside of the Virtual Technician Function to get it optimized.
All of that being said, the CA79 is still no slouch in the speaker department with no less than 3 distinct sets of speakers for 6 total speakers, designed in collaboration with Onkyo.
First, there's a pair of woofers on the bottom producing most of the low frequencies. From there we have 2 mains responsible for the mid-range frequencies, and finally 2 tweeters with diffusers for the highs.
There's a total of 100 watts of amplifier power here pushing out there, which while less than the 135 watts on the CA99, is still very substantial.
After checking out everything sound-related here on the CA79, it's pretty hard to deny the killer value Kawai is delivering here for the price.
Kawai CA79 Piano Action
Grand Feel III Wooden Key Action
The Kawai CA79 uses the Grand Feel III action (GFIII), the same action used in the CA99. This is a new update to the Grand Feel II, which is what Kawai was using in the previous generation CA78 and CA98.The Grand Feel II was an excellent action, but what the Grand Feel III brings is a whole new way in which the end of the key stick is attached to the capstan, with a more refined system of connection. This new system is intended to be more durable over a longer period of time than what was used in the GFII.
The GFII did end up receiving quite a few warranty claims after prolonged use in demanding settings such as post-secondary music institutions.
Extended Length Wooden Keys
So, what does the GFIII bring to the table? For one, it's an extended-length action with 100% wooden keys approaching the key stick of a real grand piano. It's also got a triple sensor for highly accurate MIDI output, counterweights, grade-weighted hammers, and let-off simulation.Textured Key Surfaces
The key surfaces are also covered with an ivory touch texture on the white keys and an ebony texture on the black keys. This provides a perfect amount of grip, especially when your hands start to get sweaty when playing.Deep Dynamic Control
Compared to most other digital piano actions out there, the GFIII, courtesy of the extended key length, is providing a deeper level of control and comes much closer to the experience of playing a real acoustic piano action. For the price range, we think it's the best digital piano on the market currently, though the Roland Grand Hybrid action is up there too.The only real step after this action is to move beyond the Kawai CA series into the NOVUS series hybrids which feature a genuine acoustic piano action, but with that of course comes a substantial price hike.
Kawai CA79 Piano Features
LCD Touchscreen
A huge upgrade from the CA78 is the new and improved LCD touchscreen. The 78 had a screen as well, but there were some navigation issues. Fortunately, those have been addressed, and getting around the new touchscreen is a breeze.For a detailed exploration of the menu and all of the things you can edit, check out the video review linked above as Stu does a nice walkthrough of the various menus (more fun to watch than read the owner's manual).
Pre-loaded Music & Lesson Books
The Kawai CA79 has all kinds of preloaded classical music built in, along with a selection of lesson books. There's also an internal 2-track recorder which can be great practice as it allows you to record yourself and playback the recordings. You can also record MP3, WAV, and SMF files to USB.Cabinet & Pedals
The Kawai CA79 also features an upgraded gorgeous cabinet design with elegant music rest and comes available in Premium Rosewood, Satin White, Satin Black, and Ebony Polish. The cabinet looks much more like a real upright piano than ever before.Kawai's great Grand Feel Pedal System also makes a return with damper, sostenuto, and soft pedals all weighted to replicate the feel of a grand piano pedal system.
Kawai CA79 Connectivity
For connectivity, there's an impressive lineup here. Going down the list, we have dual headphone jacks (Kawai's Spatial Headphone Sound optimizer is included), 5-pin MIDI In and Out, a 1/4" line output. 1/8" line in, as well as USB to Host and USB to Device.Lastly, there's also Bluetooth MIDI for accessing apps for iOS and Android, and Bluetooth Audio which makes your CA79 able to stream music from your devices.
Closing Thoughts
Thanks for joining us for a look at the Kawai CA79. This is a high-end digital piano that's going to work really well for advanced players who need affordable and space-saving practice instruments, and even for beginners who simply want something nice, both musically and aesthetically.The action and sound engine are as good as it gets for the class, and for some people, the extra cost of the CA99 is not justified by the inclusion of the soundboard.
Don't forget to check out our YouTube channel for more reviews and visit our website for more in-depth product reviews & articles.
The post Kawai CA79 | Digital Piano Review | Kawai Concert Artist Series first appeared on Merriam Pianos
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