Yamaha P-125 vs Casio PX-S1100 | Digital Piano Review & Comparison

 

There are several massively popular models in the sub $1,000 88-key portable digital piano category given how high the current quality level is for digital pianos across the board, and the fact that the $1,000 marker is a line many folks prefer to stay under when choosing a digital piano.

Perhaps no instrument is more popular in this category than the Yamaha P-125 digital piano (aside from perhaps the stripped-down P-Series Yamaha P-45), but the Casio PX-S1100 is proving to be not far behind in terms of sales volume. And what if we told you that for some people, the PX-S1100’s total offering might make it a better offering than the Yamaha P-125?

This statement might come as a bit of a shock to you if you’re only really familiar with Yamaha products, hadn’t been considering anything other than a Yamaha up to this point and simply aren’t aware of how well received the Casio Privia PX instruments have been.

If you’ve been strongly considering a Yamaha after checking out some Yamaha P-125 reviews then this video and companion article are for you as we’ll be comparing and contrasting the Yamaha P-125 vs Casio PX-S1100 to see if, in fact, the S1100 might be a better choice as a piano keyboard for you.

Thanks for being here, let’s get into it.

 

Yamaha P-125 vs Casio PX-S1100 - Background

Well into the year 2022 and these two instruments have been some of the best-selling 88-key digital pianos on the market. The P-125 has been around for several years but it’s still very much a relevant product. The PX-S1100 is the recently released update to Casio's PX-S1000 (while the PX-S3100 replaced the PX-S3000) and has the claim to fame of being the slimmest 88-key weighted action digital piano on the market.

Both of these instruments are built to serve as digital replacements for acoustic pianos, primarily for students, hobbyists or those seeking a practice instrument with the flexibility that a digital piano provides, with a focus on high-quality grand piano sound, a weighted key action, and a user-friendly interface.

We’ll now move to a comparison of everything sound related on each instrument.

 

Digital Piano Sound - Speaker and Sound Engine Comparison

Casio PX-S1100 Speaker System

We’re going to start by discussing each piano’s built-in speaker system as one of the PX-S1100’s key improvements over the PX-S1000 is an improved speaker design here.

We’re working with two speakers here with 8 watts on each side for 16 watts of total amplifier power. The speakers are rear-facing, however, there are front-facing tone ports to deliver high frequencies directly to your ear.

In terms of the speaker redesign, what’s changed from the S1100 is the shape of the speaker’s inner diaphragm. We’ve also heard that they’ve changed the coating on the speaker cone as well.

The result is more definition in the upper register, more detail and generally just more punch - there’s virtually no way to get these speakers to distort.

 

Yamaha P-125 Speaker System

Over on the P-125, and while we’re dealing with less overall power here with 14 watts of rated output, it’s a 4-speaker system here as opposed to a dual system with two downward-facing mains and two upward-facing tweeters.

The result is a very well-balanced playing experience from the players' perspective. Despite a lower overall power output, the presence of the two tweeters here means the P-125 is delivering a clearer overall piano sound, though the sound engine itself is less complex (which we’ll get to more below.)

 

Casio’s Multi-Dimensional Morphing AiR Sound Source vs Yamaha’s Pure CF Sound Engine

The PX-S1100 is using Casio’s very well-regarded Multi-Dimensional Morphing AiR Sound Source. It's surprisingly complex when you consider the price range that the PX-S1100 is available for. The nuance and sophistication they've been able to pack into this tone engine is right up there with the kind of complexity and control you’ll also find with the SuperNATURAL sound in the Roland FP-10 and the Harmonic Imaging engine in the Kawai ES110.

The Pure CF engine, based on a sample of the CFIIIS concert grand piano (which has since been replaced by the newer CFX concert grand), isn’t a slouch by any means, it’s just not delivering the same level of detail, control and recreation of a real piano as the S1100’s AiR engine.

With that in mind, when you're choosing between these two instruments, from a sound perspective the choice comes down to a more advanced tone generator with a less clear speaker system versus a clearer speaker system with a simpler and less nuanced piano tone.

If you’re going to be using an amp or playing frequently with headphones the speaker disparity goes away, and courtesy of the Hall Simulator reverbs and Acoustic Simulator, you can actually tweak the tone of the S1100 to get pretty close in clarity to the P-125.

Both pianos actually offer a nice level of sound editing control with access to parameters like damper resonance, string resonance and more. The P-125 has a couple of neat sound-related features like a Sound Boost that is worth noting as well, while the PX-S1100 has a Surround sound feature.

 

Other Preset Sounds

In terms of the number of sounds to choose from, the S1100 offers 18 compared to an extra 6 on the P-125 for 24 in total. There’s quite a bit of overlap of sounds with a couple of acoustic pianos, electric pianos, organs, synths and strings.

Some sounds are stronger on the P-125 while others are stronger on the S1100. The e-piano sounds on the P-125 are very lush and modern, while the string patches on the S1100 are a real standout.

 

Polyphony

Polyphony is dead even on these instruments at a cool 192 notes each. This is more than enough for solo piano playing which is of course the main function that each of these pianos is made for.

 

Keyboard Action Comparison

Casio’s Smart Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard

Casio’s relatively new Smart Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard was first introduced in the PX-S1000 and PX-S3000. It’s been brought back here and is definitely a responsive action that’s right down the middle in terms of its weighting.

Now, this action is highly compacted, so there are some dynamic quirks here that you should be aware of. One quirk is that the black keys have been intentionally weighted heavier than the white keys, and this is a result of the black key being so short.

The compacted key length also means that the weighting of the keys will feel different depending on where your fingers happen to be physically playing the keys. We’re also working with a double sensor here and escapement sensation for the same reasons.

Because of these factors, this action probably isn’t the best action for a beginner to start with if your intent is to become a high-level classical player. If that happens to be your end goal, we’d recommend going with an action with a longer pivot length that feels more like a real acoustic piano.

In terms of the keytops. we’ve got an ivory texture on the white keys and a matte finish on the black keys. Having some type of finish on the keytops is a huge plus as it provides some glide if your fingers get sticky during longer playing sessions.

 

Yamaha’s Graded Hammer Standard Action

Over on the P-125, and we’re looking at Yamaha’s Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action. The GHS action has been on the market for quite some time now, and it’s regarded as a very reliable and generally well-liked action.

It’s also using a double sensor and doesn’t have any escapement like the Smart Scaled action, and the overall touch sensitivity seems pretty close between them. On the other hand, the GHS feels lighter than the Smart Scaled action, and the keybed also feels a little more shallow, meaning you can’t dig into the action as much.

The biggest difference between these actions though is the fact that the GHS does not have any type of texture on the key surface. Instead of simulated ebony and ivory textures, the key surfaces are glossy.

The challenge with a glossy surface is that during longer playing sessions your fingers can end up sticking to the keys which can actually start to peel the skin back on your fingers.

Now, there are a lot of people who love this action and have never had this issue, but that’s certainly something to be aware of.

 

Additional Features and Connectivity

When it comes to the features, we’re looking at some fairly dramatic differences here, to the point that this particular area could be what sways you to one instrument or the other. We’ll start with the PX-S1100.

Casio PX-S1100 On-Board Features, Connectivity

The first feature that really stands out when looking at the S1100 is the fact that you have the option to run it on battery power as opposed to a cabled power adapter. Prior to Casio’s PX-S instruments, it was practically unheard of to find a battery-powered digital piano with such a realistic pianistic experience as what we have here. Yamaha for example doesn't offer a battery-powered product in the same vein.

For folks looking for maximum portability and the flexibility that battery operation provides, such as buskers for example since another power supply may not be readily available, the PX-S1100 is a truly unique offering in the price point.

Secondly, the PX-S1100 offers both Bluetooth Audio and Bluetooth MIDI (the S1000 only offered Bluetooth Audio). This means you can wirelessly connect the S1100 to computers and smart devices to extend the functionality without a cable courtesy of the free WU-BT10 Bluetooth adapter.

In terms of the rest of the other connectors, the S1100 also has 1/4” line outputs (L/MONO, R means no fiddling with adaptors when connecting to a PA system), USB Type A and B, a stereo mini line-in, dual headphone outputs, a sustain pedal input and a slot for the optional 3-pedal unit.

Thirdly, the S1100’s weight needs to be mentioned; the S1100 is the slimmest digital piano on the market and among the lightest, which is of course becoming increasingly important to consumers.

 

Yamaha P-125 On-Board Features, Connectivity

Over on the P-125 and we still have a very light instrument, in fact, it’s only a half pound heavier than the S1100, but it’s not as slim and as mentioned, does not offer battery power despite an otherwise minimalistic design.

The P-125 also oddly doesn’t offer any Bluetooth connectivity, whether wireless MIDI or audio, so if you want to connect to Yamaha’s great Smart Pianist App for Android and iOS Devices, you’ll need to do so via the USB port.

Now, on the other hand, the P-125 has a feature that alone makes it many people’s top choice, that feature being a built-in USB audio interface. Having a USB audio interface means you can connect to DAWs to send and receive audio information and do direct audio recording without the need for additional equipment, which can really have a big impact on gigging musicians.

The P-125 also has a solid onboard arranger function taking the form of an auto-accompaniment system. It’s loaded with a number of rhythms, and the accompaniment follows the harmony outlined by your left hand. In terms of other connectors, other than Bluetooth, the P125 is basically the same as the S1100 with a 1/4” line out, USB to Host, a stereo mini line-in, dual headphone jacks, a sustain pedal input and a slot for the optional 3-pedal unit.

 

Standard Functionality Across both Instruments & Accessories

When it comes to standard functionality, things are pretty much the same between these two pianos as both come with things like a basic MIDI recorder, playback, split mode, transpose, a metronome, and some reverb engines.

Both pianos have some built-in songs as well. Both pianos come with a very basic footswitch sustain pedal that we would recommend upgrading to a more substantial damper pedal, and a music stand for sheet music.

Both pianos are available with an optional designer keyboard stand 3-pedal unit.

 

Closing Thoughts

To wrap things up, we’ve got two instruments here offered at almost the same price point to a piano-focused end user, and yet, the finer details around each instrument are quite different.

It’s a battle of equals, but where you place specific value, i.e. do you want the superior tone engine, Bluetooth and a small frame, or do things like auto-accompaniment and a USB audio interface matter more to you?

There’s no right answer here, but hopefully, this comparison has been helpful in answering some questions for you.

The post Yamaha P-125 vs Casio PX-S1100 | Digital Piano Review & Comparison first appeared on Merriam Pianos

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Casio PX-S5000 vs PX-S1100 | Digital Piano Review | Casio Privia PX Comparison

 

With the recent expansion of the Casio Privia PX line, suddenly we’ve gone from two portable models to five with the new PX-S5000, PX-S6000 and PX-S7000 Privia digital pianos newly hitting the market.

The PX-S5000 serves as the direct step up to the hugely popular PX-S1100, and with a price point that isn’t overly prohibitive, for a lot of people making that jump to the S5000 will make sense. With that in mind, we’re going to do a detailed comparison for you here to cover the exact differences between these two instruments.

If you’re among those looking for a piano-centric, highly portable digital piano that also happens to offer an extremely slim cabinet, weighted keys and battery operation, odds are this Casio PX-S5000 vs PX-S1100 comparison will be very useful to you. If features and functionality are what you’re after, the PX-S3100 vs PX-S6000 comparison will be more relevant to you.

Casio PX-S5000 vs PX-S1100 Background

Even though the PX-S5000 hasn’t been out for too long at this point and many pre-orders haven’t yet been fulfilled, some internet chatter has already sprung up with the question; is the S5000 simply an overpriced PX-S1100BK with a rebranded action?

To be totally honest, we wondered the exact same thing here at Merriam Pianos when we first saw the specs sheet, as even things like the warranty coverage are the same. Fortunately, once we played the S5000 and got it side-by-side with the S1100, we realized right away that there are actually substantial differences in the piano tone and the action in terms of the actual playing experience.

In fact, the piano sound is much richer and really in a different class from the 1100. Paired with an improved action and the result is an instrument capable of much more nuance for those seeking a more realistic piano experience.

Let’s move to a more detailed comparison of the sound engines.

 

Piano Sound - Sound Engine & Speakers 

Multi-Dimensional Morphing AiR Sound Source with Hamburg Grand Sample

When glancing at the sound-related specs, it looks like we’re working with very similar offerings here. For example, both pianos are the using the Multi-Dimensional Morphing AiR sound engine, the polyphony is the same, the effects like reverbs, hall simulators, DSP and surround are the same, and the speaker systems and wattage are the same.

That said, there is one notable difference - the fact that the S5000 digital piano includes Casio’s Hamburg Grand sample, which is the same sample used in Casio’s high-end GP310 and GP510 hybrid digital pianos. This is a much higher quality default grand piano sample than what the S1100 receives, and the result, especially when playing with headphones, is a much more authentic and immersive acoustic piano sound stage experience, meaning it truly feels like you’re in front of a concert grand.

Both pianos have the same Acoustic Simulators, but parameters like Damper Resonance and Damper Noise are coming through more clearly on the S5000.

The S1100 still sounds very good, especially for the price point, but there’s no question that there’s just much more detail coming from the S5000, especially in the mid and lower registers. In the upper register, there’s more color and depth to the sound on the S5000.

 

Stereo Speaker System

As we touched on above, both pianos are equipped with the same dual speaker system with 16 watts of total amplifier output power. These are redesigned speakers from what was used in the PX-S1000 and PX-S3000 resulting in cleaner high-end and more dynamic low end referred to as Casio’s new Sound System.

Since the speakers are identical, the differences in tone we mentioned above primarily apply to when you’re playing with headphones. You can still hear a difference when the speakers are engaged, but those differences are less pronounced.

So, if you’re going to be doing a fair bit of playing with headphones, the improved sound is reason enough to go for the S5000 assuming you have the budget. If you’re primarily going to be using the speakers, the upgrade may not make sense for you.

 

Polyphony

As we also briefly mentioned above, polyphony is the same on both instruments at a strong 192 notes - easily enough to accommodate all solo piano playing.

Other Sounds

Once you move past the default grand piano presets, the rest of the tones are essentially the same, covering things like electric piano, organs and synths.

That said, there are 18 total sounds on the PX-S1100 as opposed to 23 sounds on the PX-S5000. Neither has the breadth of sounds you would find on a stage piano, but it’s worth noting that there are 5 extra on the S5000.

 

Casio Privia Piano Action - Smart Scaled vs Smart Hybrid Hammer Action

The PX-S1100’s Smart Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard

Casio’s Smart Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard has been met with favorable reviews overall, but many players have observed that the white keys feel weighted slightly differently from the white keys and that all of the keys feel different depending on where on the keyboard your fingers press the keys.

The big reason for this was in having to accommodate the PX-S1000’s super slim frame (where this action was introduced), meaning the action had to be compressed. The result is a very short pivot length, which is why the key weighting feels different depending on where you play the keys.

For many players (especially beginners), this won’t matter, but it does essentially disqualify the action for higher-level classical players or those who need their digital piano key action to mimic an acoustic key action as closely as possible.

 

The PX-S5000’s Smart Hybrid Hammer Action Keyboard

The new Smart Hybrid Hammer Action Keyboard has an identical pivot length so these general observations about the different weighting depending on where your fingers press are still true, but fortunately the weighting differences from the white and black keys have been fixed. And despite the same pivot length, this action feels quite different from the S1100’s Smart Scaled action and definitely represents a step up.

Key Differences

For one, the cushioning is improved so the Smart Hybrid action emits much less mechanical noise than the Smart Scaled action does, and this will be a huge benefit to those looking to practice at odd hours without disturbing others.

Secondly, the Smart Hybrid action features wood siding, which means the keys themselves feel more like a real acoustic piano action. This might be a non-issue for some people, but it will be a big consideration for others. The wood siding should also help long-term durability, especially when combined with the improved cushioning.

Finally, the keytops feel different as well. On the S1100’s Smart Scaled action, the keytops have a very exaggerated texture, while the texture on the S5000’s Smart Hybrid action feels more like real ivory and ebony. Both sets of keytops have great playability, but there’s no doubt that the S5000’s keytops feel more like a real piano. For context, the Yamaha P-125’s GHS action does not offer textured keytops.

Overall, the Smart Hybrid action represents a real step up from the Smart Scaled action, which we hoped would be the case considering the jump in price. While it still wouldn’t be an ideal action for a classical pianist it is going to be a great action for many players.

 

Additional Features & Connectivity

Additional Accessories

Both pianos come as a slab, and ship with a music stand and basic SP-3 switch sustain pedal, though we would recommend an upgrade to the SP-10 damper pedal at minimum. Roland, Yamaha and Kawai are sometimes guilty of including a flimsy pedal in the box that should really be upgraded.

You can also opt for the SP-34 3-pedal unit if you’d like triple pedal functionality (soft, sostenuto and damper), and Casio’s CS-68 wooden design stand is an option as well.

 

Finish Options

The PX-S1100 is available in three distinct finish options - Black, White and Red. The PX-S5000 at this point is only available in Black.

 

Connectors - Line In/Out, Bluetooth & MIDI

Connectivity is virtually the same across these two pianos with the only difference being that the S1100 has a stereo mini line-in, whereas the S5000 does not. Perhaps Casio feels this isn’t a necessary terminal moving forward which would be why the newer and more expensive S5000 doesn’t have a line in.

Otherwise, all of the other jacks are the same including L/MONO, R line outputs, USB Type A and B, dual headphone outputs and a port for the power supply. Line-outs are essential for a gigging instrument so it’s nice to see them here.

Both pianos also come with the WU-BT10 wireless MIDI and Audio Bluetooth adaptor which is a very nice added bonus at no extra charge. Bluetooth MIDI means you can wirelessly access the new Casio Music Space App for iOS and Android which is one of the best music apps around and essentially replaces the Chordana Play for Piano app.

Bluetooth Audio allows you to stream music from a Smart Device through the piano’s speakers with the help of a simple Bluetooth adapter.

 

Extra Features

Features are pretty lean on both pianos, but things like a basic MIDI recorder and Audio recorder for recording and playback, metronome, transpose, built-in songs and playing modes like split are all covered.

 

Closing Thoughts

After taking a close look at both of these pianos, we can say confidently that the PX-S5000 is not simply an overpriced PX-S1100. The differences in the default grand piano patch and action make the PX-S5000 a distinct upgrade over the S1100, even if you need headphones to truly maximize those tonal differences.

The PX-S5000 is really offering a pretty awesome experience for the price, especially considering that it can be operated via battery power, and the PX-S1100 is continually heralded as one of the best digital pianos for its price point as well.

For some, these key upgrades will easily make the S5000 worth the extra money. For others, the S1100 is already more than enough of what they need.

The post Casio PX-S1100 vs Roland FP10 | Digital Piano Review & Comparison first appeared on Merriam Pianos

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Casio PX-S1100 vs Roland FP10 | Digital Piano Review & Comparison

 

When the Roland FP10 digital piano hit the market a few years back it was almost instantly dubbed a ‘category killer’ due to its high-quality piano sound, and most importantly, due to the presence of the Roland PHA4 action.

The Casio PX-S1000 quickly became a great challenger due to its own unique value proposition (while the PX-S3000 was a huge hit in the next price point up), and the Casio Privia PX-S1100 seems poised to keep the battle going.

With that in mind, we’ll be comparing these two super popular, value-packed entry-level portable digital pianos that happen to remain among the most interesting match-ups in the class.

Let’s get into it.

 

Casio PX-S1100 vs Roland FP10 - Background

The PX-S1100 arrived fairly recently with the PX-S3100 Privia digital piano so we’ve been putting it through its paces and comparing it to other popular models in the same price range and class. We recently compared it to the Yamaha P-125 which was a very interesting look, so the Roland FP10 is next on our list.

This is also undoubtedly an interesting comparison, especially since the focus of these two instruments is a little bit different. Where the Roland FP10 is very much offered as an inexpensive practice instrument with a great tone and action but stripped-down features, the PX-S1100 is a little bit more versatile, and with discreet line outputs plus battery operation and a super slim cabinet, the S1100 is more equipped to serve as a gigging piano.

This is the general orientation of each of these pianos - the FP10 is very piano-centric, while the S1100 is more versatile and capable of being used as a gigging piano. With that important distinction out of the way, let’s get into the sound.

 

Digital Piano Sound Comparison

An enjoyable sound is so critical to the enjoyment of just about any instrument. If you can't connect with an instrument’s sound, it's going to be tough to connect with the instrument as a whole. When it comes to pianos, a weighted key action is also quite critical, and some would argue it’s actually more critical, but we’ll start here by comparing everything sound related between these two pianos.

When considering the best digital piano tone generators on instruments available for under $1,000 CAD, we’re looking at two of the most sophisticated options in the class here, especially with regard to the acoustic piano sound.

 

Roland’s SuperNATURAL Piano Sound Engine

The FP10 is equipped with Roland’s SuperNATURAL sound engine. While this is a somewhat stripped-down version of the engine and does not possess the new higher-powered BMC chip featured in the FP-X instruments, this is still a very good sound engine with expressive sound.

In fact, even though the FP10 isn’t supposed to have compatibility with Roland's piano designer, at least at the time of this review we’re still able to connect the FP-10 to the Piano Designer and access all sorts of parameters that are lurking under the hood of Roland’s SuperNATURAL Piano engine.

With Piano Designer, you’re able to edit things like the lid height, damper resonance, string resonance, hammer noise and more.

Polyphony isn’t crazy, but it’s solid at 96 notes. Considering that the FP-10 is built for solo piano playing, 96 notes is more than enough.

 

Casio’s Multi-Dimensional Morphing AiR Sound Source

The PX-S1100bk is equipped with Casio’s Multi-Dimensional Morphing AiR Sound Source, and this has consistently been a well-reviewed since it first started appearing in Casio models a few years ago.

Via the new Casio Music App for iOS and Android, which replaces the Chordana Play App, you’re also able to edit various sound-related parameters. The S1100 also offers onboard control of Hall Simulators (reverbs) and a Surround Sound feature.

Polyphony is quite robust here at 192 notes meaning the S1100 is powerful enough to get into some serious layering and even arranging.

 

How does the Playing Experience Compare?

The default grand piano sound on the S1100 is very dynamic (much more dynamic than is typical in this class), and you have a lot of variety in terms of the tonal palette, from soft to loud.

The musical experience is also quite nice over on the FP-10, but we are hearing more tonal variety on the S1100. The dynamic range is also very nice on the FP-10, but again, we’d give the nod to the S1100 here overall as well.

To harken back to our first point regarding the importance of a good sound for one’s enjoyment of a given instrument, both pianos get a thumbs up here, whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced player.

 

Onboard Speaker System

One big surprise when getting these two digital pianos side by side was how well the FP-10 speakers actually stack up against the S1100.

The S1100 is using a dual downward-facing system with 16 watts of amplifier power and a pair of tone ports so your ear can get some direct sound.

The FP-10 is also using a downward-facing dual speaker system, but with no tone ports and only 12 watts of power. That being said, in some ways, we think the FP-10 is actually producing more bass response despite its lower-rated power output.

There is definitely a little bit more clarity and detail coming out of the S1100, but in terms of the overall depth of sound, the FP-10 more than holds its own.

 

Other Sounds

In terms of the non-acoustic piano sounds, we have a similar quantity of total presets here 15 on the FP-10 and 18 on the PX-S1100.

All of the basic tones that you'll need in any basic professional setting or even to have some fun with at home are covered, such as electric pianos, organs, strings and synths.

In general, the FP-10’s non-piano sounds are a little bit stronger across the board, especially with regard to the organ sound, but overall the total offerings here are quite similar.

 

Sound Wrap Up

When it comes to the core piano sound, as we often say at Merriam Pianos, it’s going to come down to a matter of personal preference. That said, we are hearing more tonal variety out of the S1100, and a slightly greater dynamic range.

The speaker trade-off is a better bass presence on the FP-10 despite less amplifier power, but slightly better clarity and overall detail on the S1100.

Lastly, while the range of sounds is pretty close on both the FP-10 and S1100, the non-piano tones are slightly better on the FP10.

 

Digital Piano Action Comparison

Roland’s PHA4 Standard Keyboard Action

Given that the FP-10 has been out for several years now, there are people that might be thinking that the FP-10 is yesterday's news and doesn’t currently stack up to some of the newer models from the likes of Casio, Kawai, or even Roland itself with the newer FP-30X.

Here’s the big reason why this would be sorely mistaken and why the FP-10 is still 100% relevant - the presence of the PHA4 action. Roland uses this action in many of their digital pianos right up to about the $2,000 price point, so the fact that it can be had in the FP-10 for significantly less money is huge.

This is a very capable and well-regarded action with triple sensor key detection, escapement and textured key tops- features generally not seen on actions available at this price point. The piano touch sensitivity is also adjustable to accommodate different playing styles.

If action is your top priority, you simply can’t beat the PHA-4 action at this price point, and this alone makes the FP-10 an extremely compelling option for many.

Casio’s Smart Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard

Looking over at the S1100’s Smart Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard, we certainly have some nice things to say about this action as well. The mechanical key action sound is actually a bit quieter on this action compared to the PHA4, and this is probably due to an increased level of key cushioning.

Now, it’s important to note that this is a very compact action, and this was a conscious choice by Casio in order to accommodate the incredibly slim cabinet of the PX-S1100. Basically, this means they had to shorten the pivot length below the norm to fit the action into such a slim case.

This also means that the Smart Scaled action is using a dual sensor, and does not feature any escapement. While there is a nice texture on the keys, all in all, the PHA4 action is undoubtedly a better key action, both on paper and in practice.

That said, we would still put the Smart Scaled action ahead of some others in the class, such as Yamaha’s GHS action (featured in the Yamaha P-45 and P-125) and Korg’s Natural Weighted Hammer Action.

Action Wrap Up

The action question here really comes down to this; if you’re already a fairly advanced player or intend to become one, the PHA4 is going to be a much more suitable choice as it behaves much more like a real acoustic piano action.

The Smart Scaled action is going to be just fine for beginner and intermediate players, but getting into more advanced classical repertoire will be difficult, and the differences between it and an acoustic piano action are more pronounced.

 

Features/Connectivity

There are some important differences between these two instruments when it comes to extended functions and accessory options, to the point that some of these functions could be a huge determining factor as to which action will be a better choice for you.

 

Casio PX-S1100 Features, Connectivity & Accessories

A huge selling feature of the PX-S1100 is the ability for it to run entirely on battery power. As opposed to a cabled power supply, simply plug in 8 AA batteries and you’re off to the races. Combined with its weight coming in at under 25 lbs and the incredible flexibility this instrument is capable of really starts to emerge.

The S1100 is also shipping with the WU-BT10 Bluetooth Adapter which gives the S1100 wireless MIDI connectivity and audio capability, meaning you can use your S1100 as a sound source by streaming audio directly from your smart device.

The connectivity is rounded out with dual headphone jacks, USB Type A and B, plus an audio line in, not to mention the ever-important 1/4” line out which means the S1100 is truly a gig-ready instrument and can also easily connect to an audio interface.

The S1100 ships with a music stand and very basic switch sustain pedal, but we’d recommend upgrading to at least the SP10 damper pedal, but there’s also the option to go with the SP34 3-pedal unit as well, and the CS68 designer keyboard stand.

Standards like a MIDI recorder, audio recorder, metronome, transpose, split and some built-in songs are all covered.

 

Roland FP10 Features, Connectivity & Accessories

The FP-10, like most digital pianos, does not offer a battery-powered option, though it is also quite portable at 27 lbs. If battery power is a factor for you then obviously this is a big consideration.

The connectors are similar with built-in Bluetooth Connectivity covering MIDI (there’s compatibility with Roland’s Piano Partner) but no Bluetooth Audio, USB Type A and B (use this to connect to a DAW) and a single headphone output, but the FP-10 does not have any discreet line output jacks. This makes it tough to sell the FP-10 as a legit gigging option.

The FP-10 also ships with a music rest and basic footswitch pedal that we would recommend upgrading to the Roland DP-10 damper pedal with half-pedalling capability. It however does not offer any triple pedal compatibility, so if that’s a critical feature for you, the FP-10 is out. Roland does however make their nice KSCFP10 designer stand available.

The same standards like a metronome, transpose, split, twin piano mode and some built-in songs are present here.

 

Closing Thoughts

When we take everything in, what we’ve got with the Roland FP10 is a great-sounding and great-feeling digital piano with convenient Bluetooth MIDI. If you're primarily focused on recreating the feeling of a real piano with an instrument with very accurate MIDI output, such as in a studio situation where you need a good MIDI controller, the FP-10 is simply unbeatable for the price given the PHA4 action.

If you're looking for something a little bit more well-rounded and gig ready, or if you’re specifically after something that offers battery operation, the PX-S1100 is probably your better bet.

In any case, we’ve got two great 88-key digital pianos here with differing sets of specs sure to be great options for many piano shoppers.

Thanks for reading!

The post Casio PX-S1100 vs Roland FP10 | Digital Piano Review & Comparison first appeared on Merriam Pianos

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Casio PX-S1100 vs PX-S1000 | Digital Piano Review | Pros & Cons | What's The Difference?

 

 The Casio Privia PX-S1000 and PX-S3000 hit the market a few years ago, and both proved to be hugely popular Casio digital pianos, especially during the lockdown years of 2020 and 2021.

The PX-S1000 has since been replaced by the PX-S1100 (and the S3000 by the PX-S3100), so of course, doing a comparison of these two pianos is called for. We’ve actually had a number of customers contact us who already own an S1000 wondering if it’s worthwhile to trade it in for an S1100.

Hopefully, this Casio PX-S1100 vs PX-S1000 comparison and review can answer that question for you, and if you’re shopping for the first time and had already heard about the S1000, learning about the S1100 in greater context could be of some value to you.

Let’s start this with some general background information.

Casio PX-S1100 vs PX-S1000 - Background

We’ve done a number of reviews now comparing the new PX-S1100 trading it to some models it competes against in the market, such as the Yamaha P-125 and Roland FP-10, but we haven’t yet compared it to its predecessor the PX-S1000.

While there are some definite upgrades, much of what made the S1000 so successful has been carried over here. With that being said, the PX-S1100BK is a fairly subtle upgrade, and not the giant leap forward that the PX-S1000 was over the PX-160 (though the CDP-S350 is also kind of a replacement for the PX-160 as well).

For many people who already own an S1000, trading it in won’t make a ton of sense except for a few notable situations which we will get to below. Let’s move to what remains the same on the PX-S1100.

What’s the Same?

Sound Engine - Multidimensional Morphing AiR Sound Source

Firstly, it would seem that the tone engines and related specs are exactly the same between these two. Both pianos are using the Multidimensional Morphing AiR Sound Source, both pianos have 192 notes of polyphony, and both pianos have the same 18 built-in preset tones such as grand pianos and electric pianos.

The amplifier power is also the same at 16 watts courtesy of dual 8-watt speakers,

The same digital effects have returned here as well, which consist of Sound Mode, Hall Simulators and more.

Weighted Key Action & Cabinet

Outside of sound-related considerations, both pianos have the same Smart Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard (with the same ivory key surface), the same super slim casing, the same finish options (Black, White and Red), the same music stand, and both offer the option to be powered by 8 AA batteries.

In fact, the PX-S1100 is still the slimmest 88-key weighted action available beating out the Roland FP-10, Roland FP-30X and Kawai ES-110, which is remarkable since it can also run on battery power as opposed to a traditional cabled power supply. The touch sensor user interface has been tweaked but largely remains the same.

 

Features - Midi Recorder & More

Essentially all of the features have carried over here. The MIDI recorder and playback options are the same, as well as things like duet mode and built-in songs.

 

What’s Different?

Bluetooth Connectivity

A critical change with the S1100 digital piano which for some will make it worth trading their S1000 in is the tweak to the Bluetooth offering; while the S1000 remarkably offered Bluetooth Audio, Bluetooth MIDI was conspicuously absent.

The PX-S1100 rectifies this by including the WU-BT10 Bluetooth adapter, which when plugged in gives the S1100 Bluetooth Audio and wireless MIDI.

This allows you to wirelessly access apps for iOS and Android such as the new Casio Music Space App which has replaced the Chordana Play. You can remote control everything from the app including the piano tones, the metronome, transpose, and Acoustic Simulator features like damper resonance, string resonance, and the Hall Simulator reverbs.

You can also play along with your favorite songs by streaming them through the PX-S1100’s speakers.

The remainder of the connectors, including the L/MONO, R line outs, dual headphone jacks, sustain pedal input and 3-pedal unit input (damper pedal, sostenuto and soft), all remain the same.

 

Redesigned Speaker System

As we mentioned above, the built-in speaker power has remained the same here, however, the design of the speaker system has been improved, to the point that the acoustic piano sound is noticeably better on the PX-S1100.

Essentially, they’ve changed the speaker diaphragm with the hopes of creating a clearer high-end and more dynamic low-end to the sound. We are noticing that they’ve been absolutely successful in this regard.

The PX-S1100 is producing better top end on each note, and definitely better clarity as well. This is the most apparent throughout the mid-range. If you plug in a set of headphones, suddenly those differences disappear.

 

Closing Thoughts

When comparing the Casio PX-S1100 vs PX-S1000, the only real difference we’re seeing out of the S1100 is an improved speaker design which translates to better clarity in the mid-range of the instrument and more detail in the higher frequencies.

The superior sound is certainly welcome, but on its own is probably not significant enough for someone to feel compelled to trade up their PX-S1000.

The other big difference, however, is of course the inclusion of the Bluetooth adaptor which gives the PX-S1100 Bluetooth MIDI and Audio capability. If Bluetooth MIDI is important to you, this could definitely be a compelling enough reason for someone to upgrade.

All in all, the PX-S1100 offers everything that made the PX-S1000 great while upgrading a couple of potentially important areas with no downside, remaining an extremely portably digital piano even capable of gigging due to its line outputs.

Thanks for reading!

The post Casio PX-S1100 vs PX-S1000 | Digital Piano Review | Pros & Cons | What's The Difference? first appeared on Merriam Pianos

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Casio PX-S5000 vs Roland FP30X | Digital Piano Review & Comparison

 

 Ever since Casio’s newest Privia PX models hit the market we’ve been getting a ton of requests to compare them to other already existing options in the marketplace.

Today, we’ll be lining up the brand-new PX-S5000 against an absolute titan of the class in the Roland FP-30X. This comparison was pretty much inevitable because of the fact that the price points are so close, but we were quick to find out that we really have two different beasts here aimed at two different audiences.

We’ll start our Casio PX-S5000 vs Roland FP30X comparison as we often do with an examination of each piano’s offering from a sound standpoint.

 

Casio PX-S5000 vs Roland FP30X - Sound Engine Comparison

Casio’s Multi-Dimensional Morphing AiR Sound Source

The Casio Privia PX-S5000BK is equipped with a very impressive default concert grand piano tone with the very well-rendered Hamburg Grand sample, originally used in their GP310 and GP510. You’ll also find this sample in the PX-S6000 and PX-S7000, and it’s a big step up from the default grand piano tone featured in PX-S1100.

In fact, we recently did a comparison video between the S5000 and S1100 so if you’d like to hear the difference for yourself, check out that video over on our YouTube channel.

We can definitely say that this is one of the better piano tones at the price point, so great job by Casio here. Polyphony is strong at 192 notes as well.

There’s also the Acoustic Simulator which allows you to access and edit a number of sound-related parameters like string resonance, damper resonance, damper noise, key on, key off, as well as effects like the Hall Simulator, reverbs, DSP effects and Surround Sound mode.

 

Roland’s SuperNATURAL Piano Sound Engine

The FP-30X introduced Roland’s new BMC chip which is able to extract much more out of the SuperNATURAL piano engine than what the Roland FP-30 was capable of. Polyphony is even stronger than the S5000 at a very impressive 256 notes.

The BMC chip is being used throughout the FP-X series with the FP-60X and FP-90X.

The piano sound is very dynamic and responds very well to changes in volume. You also have quite a bit of editing power via the Piano Designer App.

 

How do they Compare? Privia vs FP-X Series

When comparing these two piano sounds, and we've done this with a really good set of headphones on as well, the S5000 is doing a great job of creating a sense of true three-dimensional space. You can hear the hammers right in front of you, and it’s an overall very realistic impression of being behind a piano.

As you play each note, the AiR engine automatically starts to draw from different samples to bring out different aspects of the instrument hence the multidimensional morphing verbiage that implies that Casio has sampled the grand piano with more than just a basic stereo mic placement.

On the FP-30X, the impression that you're given is that of a very complex tone surrounded by partials. Rather than being given a strong player’s perspective impression, it feels more like you're an audience member hearing the piano sound coming at you.

I hope I'm describing this with some level of usefulness to people. But that's really how I describe the two experiences of playing those pianos side by side.

 

Other Sounds - Electric Pianos, Synths, Organs

In terms of the number of sounds that are available to you on these two pianos, the overall quantity of core sounds is higher on the FP-30X as it has 56 presets compared to 23 on the PX-S5000, plus you can also access the entire GMII with the Roland Piano App via wireless MIDI connectivity.

The range of non-acoustic piano tones such as electric pianos, synths, and organs is stronger overall on the FP-30X, plus the larger range of sounds is a nice benefit as well. This isn’t a huge surprise given that Roland’s e pianos and synthesizers are usually very tough to beat.

 

Speaker Comparison

When it comes to speakers, both pianos are utilizing a dual speaker system. The PX-S5000 has dual 8-watt built-in speakers, pointed out of the back of the piano. On the FP-30X, we’ve got two downward-facing 11-watt speakers for 22 watts of total amplifier power.

In terms of overall fullness and power, the FP-30X definitely has an advantage over the PX-S5000, and this is most apparent in the lower registers. When it comes to the high-end and overall clarity, the S5000 actually does a better job, and this could largely be attributed to the speaker position.

Keep in mind too that one of the reasons that Casio needed to keep the speakers from getting too big is because the S5000 offers the option to run on batteries, which is not available over on the FP-30X. The S5000 is also about 8lbs lighter which can be a pretty big deal to some people.

 

Sound Wrap-Up

To summarize our comparison of sound, we think it’s fair to say that the FP-30X is bringing more to the table for a professional player as an affordable stand-in for a stage piano than the PX-S5000 is.

On the other hand, the pianos are very different from one another, and for someone who will do most of their playing with the default grand piano patch and also happens to prefer the tone of the S5000, it’s probably a no-brainer to lean in that direction.

Casio PX-S5000 vs Roland FP30X - Digital Piano Action Comparison

Casio’s Smart Hybrid Hammer Action Keyboard

The actions on these two instruments do not feel the same, and yet they are both very nice to play. The key action on the PX-S5000 is the new Smart Hybrid Hammer Action Keyboard, which is an evolved action design that comes out of the more entry-level version that was introduced with the PX-S1000 and PX-S3000.

The S5000 feels very different from the S1100 as a result, and we get quite into the weeds on those specific differences in our comparison of those two pianos. Long story short, the Hybrid Hammer action features wooden sides, improved cushioning, and some tweaked weighting. The pivot length and sensor technology don’t appear to be different, but this is a quieter and overall superior action to play on.

 

Roland’s PHA-4 Standard Keyboard Action

The FP-30X features the PHA-4 action from Roland, and this is a popular hammer action used on various musical instruments from Roland throughout their lineup.

This action features escapement, a triple sensor, and textured white and black keytops. It takes a little bit more force to get the key in motion than it does to keep the key in motion, which sometimes people love, and many others don’t actually notice.

 

How do they Compare?

The PHA-4 offers a little bit more control, especially in the lower end. It also has a longer pivot length than the Hybrid Hammer Action meaning that it feels more uniform regardless of where you play the key. For more advanced players, the PHA-4 will feel closer to the natural feel of an acoustic piano than the Hybrid Hammer.

The Hybrid Hammer however is a little bit quieter mechanically than the PHA-4, and it also happens to be very responsive with a very solid repetition speed. The textures on the white keys feel pretty similar (ivory feel), whereas it’s slightly more exaggerated on the black keys of the Hybrid Hammer.

 

Action Wrap Up

For people who are already fairly advanced players with a good amount of acoustic piano experience, odds are they’ll feel more at home on the PHA-4. If your piano teacher has you learning on an acoustic piano, this would apply to you as well.

For people who are self-taught or not particularly focused on getting classical technique together, the acoustic piano consideration isn't all that relevant.

And if you like the S5000 otherwise, this is a very solid action that isn’t at all going to hold you back in any way.

 

Features/Connectivity

Connectors - Audio In/Out, USB & MIDI

From a connectivity standpoint, these two pianos are quite well-matched. Both pianos have dual 1/4” line output jacks (L/MONO, R) for connecting to external amps and mixers, USB Type A and B (flash drive and computer port), dual headphone outputs, as well as pedal outputs for a damper pedal and a second one for an optional 3-pedal unit.

Both pianos offer both Bluetooth MIDI and Bluetooth Audio, though, in the case of the S5000, it’s by virtue of the WU-BT10 adapter dongle that comes included at no cost. Simply plug the adaptor in your S5000 is now outfitted with Bluetooth.

Both companies have their own compatible apps for iOS and Android- the Casio Music Space App and the Roland Piano App (recently replaced the Roland Piano Every Day App) - so real-time wireless connectivity is very welcome. Of course, 3rd party apps like Garageband are fair game as well.

 

Additional Functions

Both pianos have a basic onboard MIDI recorder (MIDI files) and playback option, whereas the PX-S5000 is also capable of audio recording (WAV). That said, the FP-30X has a built-in USB audio interface so that’s a really nice feature for those looking for a production instrument.

Both pianos of course have built-in metronomes, transpose, twin piano, and other standard features like split and dual.

 

Accessories - Music Stands & Pedals

Both pianos come with a basic music stand (music rest for sheet music) at no extra charge as well as a sustain pedal, and of course, an owner’s manual. Both are also available with matching stands and triple pedal systems as well - the KSC-70 keyboard stand and KPD-70 pedalboard in the case of the FP-30X, and the CS-68 stand and SP-34 pedals in the case of the S5000.

Closing Thoughts

To wrap everything up, in comparing the Casio PX-S5000 vs Roland FP30X, we've got two instruments that in some ways compare well and in others are actually quite different in terms of their overall specs.

In fact, the Casio PX-S3100 might actually be a more apt comparison for the FP-30X as it’s more geared towards being a performance-based instrument like the 30X, while the S5000 is very much a piano-centric instrument that also happens to be one of the most portable digital pianos around.

As always, we’ll stress the importance of trying to get into a showroom to demo these pianos out against one another if you can rather than simply ordering from Amazon, though of course not everyone has this option.

Both pianos should also be considered against the Kawai ES-120 and Yamaha P-125, both of which are other great options for beginners and experienced musicians.

Thanks for reading!

The post Casio PX-S5000 vs Roland FP30X | Digital Piano Review & Comparison first appeared on Merriam Pianos

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Casio PX-S7000 | Digital Piano Review | Casio Privia PX-S7000

 

By this point in time, odds are you’ve heard about Casio’s huge expansion of their beloved Privia PX series with the new PX-S5000, PX-S6000 and PX-S7000. These three new models get Casio products in parts of the market they haven’t occupied lately, or even in the case of the S6000 and S7000.

In this article and companion video, we’ll be taking a long look at the new Casio PX-S7000, which not only offers a great tone engine and action but also happens to ship with one of the nicest wooden stands we’ve seen, while also being available in the optional Harmonious Mustard finish - easily one of the most striking finish options we’ve seen on a digital piano.

The PX-S7000 is offered at a price point that implies it will be pitted directly against the Roland FP-90X, as well as the Kawai ES-920 and Yamaha P-515. Needless to say, the PX-S7000 has some very stiff competition and will really need to deliver on the hype if it’s going to be a successful product for Casio. Let’s get started.

 

Casio PX-S7000 Background

Our expectations for this instrument were very high when we first heard about it, and those expectations were largely formed by the price point, which comes in at $3,300 CAD and $2,500 USD. This price point makes the PX-S5000 the most expensive portable Privia digital piano Casio has ever brought to market and sends a very clear warning shot across the bow to Roland's FP-90X.

Our overall impressions are that although the approach to the user interface, stand and finish (in the case of the Harmonious Mustard option) are quite different than anything else out there, musically, the PX-S7000 is going to provide consumers with a true 4th option in a category dominated by the FP-90X, Yamaha P-515 and Kawai ES-920.

With that important bit of context out of the way, let’s explore everything related to sound.

 

Digital Piano Sound

Multi-Dimensional Morphing AiR Sound Source

The first important thing to know is that while the PX-S7000 is using Casio’s Multi-Dimensional Morphing AiR sound engine, this version of the engine draws on many of the same samples and much of the same technology that is loaded into the GP-310 and GP-510 hybrid pianos from Casio.

Anyone familiar with those instruments will know that they’re outfitted with killer samples of Hamburg Steinway, New York Steinway, and a C. Bechstein D282 concert grand pianos, referred to by Casio as the Hamburg Grand, New York Grand and Berlin Grand respectively.

These legendary grand pianos have been meticulously captured via multi-channel sampling, and the result is some of the best samples available in a digital piano.

 

Acoustic Simulator

Even though all three of these core grand piano sounds are great out of the box, the Acoustic Simulator feature allows you to edit a large number of sound-related parameters to further refine the samples to your liking.

You’re given control of things like string resonance, damper resonance, open string resonance, aliquot resonance, damper noise and more. Once you’ve found combinations you like, you can then save these as presets for quick call-up later.

Reverbs & Other Effects

The Acoustic Simulator dovetails with a number of Reverb Hall Simulators and DSP effects for non-acoustic piano tones like synthesizers for another layer of control.

There’s also a cool surround effect as well.

 

Polyphony

The S7000 is equipped with 256-note polyphony across all tones on the instrument, meaning it’s doubtful that you’ll find yourself in a situation where you run out of polyphony.

Other Sounds

There are 400 sounds in total here, and with very consistent quality across the board, this means you’ve got a very large stable of useable sounds at your disposal.

There are a ton of great and classic electric piano tones, organs, strings, synths and just about everything else you can think of.

Navigating the large collection of sounds is actually very straightforward too.

 

4-Speaker Spatial Sound System

The new Casio PX-S7000 is equipped with a 4-speaker system, and it’s unique in that all 4 speakers are equal range, 8-watt speakers. Typically with digital pianos when you see a 4 speaker system it will consist of two mains and two tweeters, so it’s interesting that Casio went with a different approach here.

The two outward-facing speakers have been equipped with side-enhancing diffusers which work to produce a wider tone better for filling a room. They’ve also added a Piano Position feature which automatically EQ’s the sound depending on what type of surface you happen to be playing your S7000 on.

While these speakers can’t come close to matching the sheer power of the FP-90X’s 60 watts of power since we’re working with 32 watts here, the quality of the speaker design is very high, and the power output is in line with what the P-515 and ES-920 have to offer as well.

Casio also needed to keep the speaker size within reason since the PX-S7000 is extremely portable when not affixed to the stand and even gives you the option of running it on battery power.

 

Digital Piano Action

Smart Hybrid Hammer Action Keyboard

We should mention right away that we’ve done a pretty extensive comparison between this new action and the Smart Scaled action found in the PX-S1100 and S3100 in some other videos and articles, so definitely check those reviews out if you’d like to learn more about that comparison.

That said, like the Smart Scaled action, these new Smart Hybrid Hammer Action keys also use a shorter pivot length to accommodate the slim cabinet we’ve got here.

That being said, it’s a much quieter action due to improved key cushioning, and the weighting is also more consistent between the white and black keys.

 

Wood Side Panels

Another upgrade featured in this action is the presence of wood siding. Wood also helps quiet down the key, makes the weighting feel more like a real acoustic piano, and will also help with long-term durability.

Roland has taken this same approach with their much beloved PHA-50 action.

So, there are some differences. Not to mention that it's a completely new surface.

The key tops on the white and the black keys feel a lot more realistic and a lot closer to an acoustic and less exaggerated than what you find on the 1100 and 3100. So, it's at a premium price point for this category of instrument. It feels like a premium key top, which is really nice.

Now, there are two features that are typically discussed on actions that Casio doesn't mention, escapement and whether it's a double or a triple sensor.

It definitely does not have any escapement. You can feel that. And it doesn't mention whether it has a triple sensor.

Since Casio in the past has mentioned when there is a triple sensor included, my guess is that they probably have not, and this may still be a double sensor.

Given the short pivot length on the key, perhaps the thought was that a triple sensor wasn't that meaningful because you're unlikely to get this instrument being used in studio settings to input really accurate MIDI information into piano tracking or things like that. And they're probably right.

So, inconclusive whether it's a double or triple, but the absence of the fact that they've said it probably means that we are looking at a double sensor. But my overall impressions of the action are positive.

Whereas on the 1100, it always felt like you were sort of having to just defend the fact that it was passable, that it was okay, it wasn't gonna hold anybody back. I actually like playing this action. It isn't just okay, it feels really good.

This is an action that I would gig on for two, or three hours and be really quite happy with.

In fact, I have every intention in the world within the next couple of weeks to actually take this guy out and see how it feels and stands up over the course of a pretty rigorous two or three-hour gig.

 

Features/Connectivity

LCD User Interface

The new menu system and the accompanying user interface on the PX-S7000 is generally speaking a super intuitive system to use. The function button gets you into the menu and it's well-marked and easy to get around.

You can also assign various things to the function buttons and save them as registrations, such as microphone effects, for quick recall.

The S7000 also has some nice real-time controls with a pitch bend wheel and modulation control.

 

Connectivity

The PX-S7000 checks the main boxes in terms of its onboard connectivity. The ever-important 1/4” L/MONO, R discreet line outputs are present so no need to fiddle with adapters when you need more juice, and quite notable, also present is a mic in with a mic volume knob.

There’s also USB Type A and B, an extra pedal input for an expression pedal in addition to the included 3-pedal unit, and dual headphone outputs.

The PX-S7000 is also enabled with Bluetooth Audio and Bluetooth Wireless MIDI - simply plug in the complimentary WU-BT10 adaptor to activate the Bluetooth functionality.

The new Casio Music Space App for iOS and Android is very much worth checking as it happens to be one of the best remote control apps available, allowing you to easily control features like the metronome, audio recording and more from your Smart Device.

Wooden Stand

As we mentioned earlier, the PX-S7000 with a super aesthetically striking wooden stand. Not only is it striking, but it also happens to be the most rugged and solidly built stand to go along with a portable digital piano that we’ve ever seen.

It’s an absolute tank that doesn’t budge even when you’re really digging in with your playing, and would probably cost around $500 on its own if it wasn’t included with the PX-S7000 for free. The piano can screw into the stand, or simply slot in place if you want to quickly be able to grab it and go.

 

Finish Options

The PX-S7000 comes standard in a Black or White finish, and as we mentioned above, it’s also available in a stunning Harmonious Mustard yellow finish that has to be one of the most unique-looking digital piano finishes we have seen.

Closing Thoughts

Thanks for joining us for our first look at the Casio PX-S7000. When you take in everything it has to offer, for its three great grand piano samples, innovative speaker system, solid action, unique but easy-to-use user interface and excellent stand, we think the S7000 is poised to win over some hearts.

If you’re looking for a high-end, portable all-in-one digital piano and assumed you only had three legitimate options, not so fast; the PX-S7000 makes it four.

The post Casio PX-S7000 | Digital Piano Review | Casio Privia PX-S7000 first appeared on Merriam Pianos

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Casio PX-870 Digital Piano Review

Hi, everybody, and welcome to another digital piano review video and article here at Merriam Pianos. In today’s review, we’ll be taking a look at Casio PX-870. This is a wonderful instrument in the mid-range home digital piano category with 88 fully weighted keys, great sound, and a nice cabinet.

The PX-870 has been a very popular instrument for us at Merriam Pianos, especially during the lockdowns of 2020 and 2021. The combination of price and class-leading features such as a robust speaker system capable of great sound projection and always reliable Tri-Sensor II action has made the Privia PX-870 a logical choice for many shoppers.

Let’s get into it by starting with a quick overview.

The Newer Casio PX-870 Model | A More Advanced Digital Piano

The PX-870bk sits right at the top of the Casio Privia PX lineup. As such, there are several models below the 870 like the PX-770, the PX-780, and portable units like the PX-S1100 and PX-S3100, but Privia and PX lines have been a staple lineup of Casio’s for quite some time, with newer more advanced models coming out every few years to replace models from the previous generation. It’s been wonderful seeing the line evolve over the years in terms of the fit and finish of the product, as well as the overall musical performance that the various models are capable of.

We had high hope for the PX-870 when it was announced after one quick look at the specs sheet - it’s clear that Casio has equipped the PX-870 with a great tone engine, solid action, and strong internal amplifiers.

In practice and especially for the price point, we’re happy to report that the PX-870 is delivering very nicely. So let's run down what that means.

Casio PX-870 Piano Sounds and Tone Engine Generators

Multi-Dimensional Morphing AiR Sound Source

Casio has equipped the PX-870 with their Multi-Dimensional Morphing AiR Sound Source tone generator which is delivering an impressive 256-note polyphony count. Polyphony is a less relevant spec these days, especially with home-based digital pianos meant to be a substitute for an acoustic piano because most digital pianos have a sufficient digital piano for solo piano playing.

Up-to-date Polyphony Count

Polyphony used to be a really important spec when computing technology was more expensive as it was a lot more difficult for manufacturers to deliver a decent polyphony count without the cost being through the roof.

These days, it's almost a given that the polyphony is going to be something pretty decent if it's an up-to-date product. All of that being said, a count of 256 is very impressive, and that definitely puts the PX-870 among the top of the class in this category. Check out our YouTube channel and our video on polyphony for a detailed breakdown of what it means, but essentially, the spec simply refers to how many notes a tone engine can generate and sustain at one time.

Sound Projection and Speaker System

Moving onto the speakers, we’re looking at a 4-speaker system with a pair of 20-watt amps for 40 watts of power. The speakers are down-facing, however, Casio has incorporated small vents or tone ports on the back of the cabinet to help create a more detailed sound, essentially like a tweeter.

There are 19 onboard sounds in total, and the quality of the sounds that Casio is putting overall has really gotten quite impressive. There are aspects of the tone on the PX-870 here that we think is coming across as successfully as some similar tones that you would get out of comparable Kawai’s, Roland’s, and Yamaha’s. In our showroom, the PX-870 competes primarily against the Kawai KDP-110.

Where would we say the KDP-110 has an edge in terms of sound quality? In our opinion, the acoustic piano tone that the Kawai KDP-110, or similarly priced Roland with their SuperNATURAL engine, is generating is still processing some of the finer details of the piano tone with a little bit more definition and accuracy.

Acoustic Piano Sound with Modeling Technology

That said, this is splitting hairs to some extent here since the PX-870 really is delivering a very impressive acoustic piano sound, and in addition to the sample, they’re using some modeling technology to fill in things like string resonance, damper resonance, lid simulator, and hammer response. Here are some specific observations regarding the default grand piano tone;

• There’s Lots of character and warmth which is immediately apparent.
• There are a few other grand pianos all with different characters, though we do think the default tone is the best of the bunch.
• Adjustable reverb, hall simulator, and brilliance also give you an extra layer of control over the piano tones.

After moving through the acoustic piano patches we come to a couple of very nice e-piano sounds, along with harpsichord, organs, and strings. There are a few misses among the selection sounds, but overall, it's a pretty impressive lineup.

Wrap Up

To sum up the highlights of the piano sound of the PX-870, we’re looking at a piano with the most powerful speaker system in the class, with the exception of the Kawai KDP-110 which also has a 40-watt speaker system.

Polyphony also happens to be among the class leaders with a strong 256 notes here, and while the sound engine may not be our favorite in the class, it’s nonetheless a very good sound engine overall. Let’s move on to the action.

Casio PX-870 Digital Piano Keyboard System

Casio has done a few interesting things with its actions over the last few years. Certain things have been very successful, while others we would classify a little bit odd. For the most part, however, their actions have come a very long way and compete very well in the marketplace.

Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II

 The PX-870 is using Casio’s Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II. This action is using a triple sensor, so it's very accurate in terms of its dynamic output and touch sensitivity. This is a potentially important consideration if you plan on using the PX-870 as a MIDI controller at any point.

It doesn't have escapement, which is not unusual for this price range. For example, the Kawai and Yamaha options in the price don’t feature escapement either, with Roland being the only exception courtesy of their PHA-4 action.

Key Texture

An area where Casio is ahead of the curve is with regards to a fairly dramatic simulated ebony and ivory texture on the keytops to imitate the feel of an acoustic piano action. This approach has become common with all the manufacturers, but Casio was a real trailblazer in this regard.

The black keys feel a little bit too slippery right out of the box, but this goes away after playing for a little while as the finger’s natural oils gradually work their way into the keys.

Another thing we like about this current generation of the action is that it feels a lot more solid, and there’s much less unwanted motion in the key action parts than there was with past Casio actions.

Wrap Up

Overall we would suspect that this action will age fairly well, very much in line with Kawai’s RHC action or Yamaha’s GHS action, though we think this action easily outplays Yamaha’s GHS action which is feeling fairly dated at this point.

So, to sum this category up, what we have here with Casio’s Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II is a well-built, enjoyable action to play on, and courtesy of its triple sensor will be accommodating to advanced playing styles.

Features and Connectivity

Music Library

The PX-870 has a fairly standard, but no less impressive set of features available when you consider the price point. For starters, there’s a solid music library of built-in songs that are good for playing along with, or simply sitting back and listening.

Connect with Chordana Play App

You can isolate specific piano parts for practice purposes, and it’s all easily controllable from the Chordana Play App, which is compatible with both iOS and Android. For a demo of the Chordana app, definitely check out the video review version of this article as Stu Harrison walks us through a nice sample of the app.

From there we have a cool Concert Play feature wherein the player gets to play along with symphony recordings of classic compositions.

Built-in Audio Recorder

There’s also a MIDI recorder as well as built-in Audio Recording and playback capability.

Cabinetry and Pedal System

The Casio PX-870 features a nice built-in cabinet and triple pedal system with damper, sostenuto, and soft pedals, though Casio isn’t including a piano bench in the package at this point. Comparable Kawai’s and Yamaha’s do include a bench at no charge, so that’s an area where the PX-870 is a little bit behind.

Dual Headphone Jacks

In terms of connectors, we’ve got two headphone jacks and a designated headphone mode that enhances the sonic experience when playing with headphones. There are no discreet line outputs, so you will need to use the headphone ports and an adapter if you need more power.

The Casio PX-870 also lacks any Bluetooth connectivity which is a little bit disappointing since it is quite common these days at the price point, so you will need to use a cable when connecting to a Smartphone or Tablet.

Of course, the basics are covered such as Layer, Duet mode, a metronome, transpose, and octave shift.

Closing Thoughts

In summary, what do we have? Well, we have an instrument in a sweet spot price-wise that also happens to exist in a very competitive part of the market. Compared to some of the other instruments out on the market, we have an above-average piano tone and action, and an impressive sound projection system courtesy of the 40-watt speaker system.

If you’re looking for an instrument in this price range and you hadn't yet considered Casio, it's definitely worthwhile to give the PX-870 a look by getting into a showroom to compare it against a Yamaha YDP-144 for example.

We’ve already mentioned the KDP-110 as Kawai’s comparable model, while the RP-102 on the Roland side of things would be a good match.

It’s definitely fair to say that the PX-870 is a compelling option to consider against anything else in the price point, with Casio’s growth and improvement over the past few years really being something to behold.

The post Casio PX-870 Digital Piano Review first appeared on Merriam Pianos

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