Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Digital Pianos - Electronic Pianos - Synths & Keyboards Kawai ES520 vs ES920?

I’m looking to buy a portable Kawai digital piano. I generally liked the ES110, but was left wanting a bit richer of a piano sound and for speakers that were better/louder (I did like its action pretty well compared to the Rolands that I played...). Talking to local dealers (Canada), it might be a few months before either the ES520 or ES920 are in stock and the first batch of arrivals are already spoken for. To get a piano you pretty much just need to just take a leap of faith and order one, which I’m a little reluctant to do without having playing one first. My inclination is to go for the ES520 as the ES920 is a fair bit more expensive.

Any opinions on the ES520 vs the ES920? Is the sound engine *that* much better? Big difference in the actions? In general, is the ES920 worth the cost difference above the ES520?

Thanks

If the es110 was as much piano as you want to move around, then the es520 is not too bad, another 6 pounds. But the e920 goes yet another 6 pounds. For me that's enuf of a difference to help me decide. And that it's $400 more, when $1,200 is already a major stretch makes a big difference. And that they both have the same speaker system.

Personally, I would miss the few extra sounds and the eq sliders, but I doubt that the action would be a deal breaker. I already love the action of the es110, and if that es520 stabilizes (less bounce) that a wee bit, sign me up.

In other words I'm perfectly prepared to lust after the one that I at least have a chance at being able to afford. And to have BT audio in, line level audio in, and a more powerful speaker system where the speakers face up, that's a lot of motivation right there. As I've seen it demonstrated and talked about, it seems obvious that at $1200 the ES520 is one heck of a board- music technology has been extra sweet in the last 5 years or so!

I understand the amp+speakers are the same on both.
Try comparing online sound samples with good headphones, if you can tell the difference. Presumably the sample lengths should be longer (before loop), and there may be more velocity layers for each note. Compression for web streaming may have an influence.
The difference in the action between the ES110 and the ES8 did seem considerable to me.

Please say more. Did you enjoy the light swiftness of the es110 action? How is the ES8 in comparison? Do/did you have an es110?

I have the 110 and would like BT and audio line in, but NOT an extra 6 pounds. Lighter would be better. The BT and AI problems are solved with a mixer (for headphone use). Word has it that the 520 action is harder than the 110. I need light for both weight and action. I may also rig up an audio in. When I get back to NYC, the 25 pounds will be a lot easier to take on a subway than 30 (actually carrying other items as well, so many more pounds than just the piano). This is for gigging.

The ES110 seemed best in the entry slab range when testing in stores. But I wasn't happy with any of them. The ES8 key action seemed much better, but a bit too bouncy on key return. I'd be happy with CN39 action, RH3 but not as bouncy - but it isn't a slab. The FP90 key action better than both. Mind this is very subjective and I think beyond good description, you might reach a different conclusion.

Whereas I didn't care for the FP90 action at all - way too stiff. I dig the ES-110 - like a portable version of my MP11.