Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Digital Pianos - Electronic Pianos - Synths & Keyboards Tried a few again

Hi all. Looking to upgrade from an es920.
Went to a store and tried a few.
Clp785. Sort of liked it but not wowed. The keys definitely felt heavier than I'm used to. Nice to touch, sound a bit 'thicker' than CA79
CA79, felt more natural to me and easier to play. Could be because I've got used to es920. Sound felt more alive than CLP 785. 79 felt like a sprinter while the 785 was a bit slower like a middle distance runner! Sound on kawai was very good I thought and had a bit more sparkle. Keys were definitely a bit more bouncy. Tried both with headphones, didn't notice a great difference.
Ca99, tried it briefly, didn't think it was any better than CA79. Probably needed more time with it.
NU1X. Kept going back and forth to this one. Sometimes I thought it was good , sometimes thought the Ca79 was better, sound wise. The keys and action felt quality but a bit shallow and notchy.
Nv5s. Out of my budget, probably,. Key action and sound hit the spot I thought. Money no object I buy this
one. Felt more natural soundwise compared to the NU1X.
In summary I'm sure I'd get used to all these pianos at home and think I find a grand action better for me than upright action. However nv5s slightly muddies those waters. I'm now left with 2 choices. CA79 which would do me for several years quite happily or nv5s that would do me several years even happier.
My brain is saying can the NV be £3000 better than a Ca79. I'm struggling to work that one out. Any opinions appreciated.

Any views on CA79 Vs an nv5s. Played both, could probably love the Ca79, but would definitely love the Novus 5. Struggling back and forth if it's worth £3000 more? I know it's subjective but would you go for something that gives you 80% or go for the 100% item. I'm 61 so won't be buying many pianos in the future. £3k is still a lot of money.
I guess we all have the same conundrum in most purchases.

The NV5 would cost you less than £6 a week more if you kept that piano for say, 10 years.
If you bought the 79, you'd likely look for something else after 5. I'd say "Go for it" but I'm veru good at advising others how to spend their money . . .
Spend more time on the NV5 before your final decision. And don't forget your mask . .

+ 1

CA79 all the way Cutec, if you are anything like me the biggest blockage is me and my playing not the instrument. You could end up with disappointment or elation buying either. All appear to have slight issues

Andy

Buy what you love and want. If you can stretch for an NV5s go for it or you will probably hit by the buyers remorse syndrome.

The difference between the 79 and 99 is amplification: not an issue should you be playing mostly with headphones. Myself, I think that the hybrids are a better upgrade, just overpriced! However, if piano is your only hobby and you can save up over time, I don't see why that's not a good plan: to buy an NV or AG.

In many ways, it could be argued that the digital action is always limited compared to the proper hybrid action. Sound synthesis is likely to continue to improve. Any model you buy is basically therefore just a vehicle to provide amplification and an action (including pedals): as sooner or later, you'll want a VST!

They will anyway, no matter the choice, if they come back to this forum.

Thanks. Last question I promise. Is the amplification on the Ca99 worth the extra over the CA79? Have played both a while ago and felt the 79 has a less thick or congested sound. Only played it on low volume so might have explained why 79 sound seemed a bit more alive and less boxy. Also not sure if soundboard is responsible for the buzzing/hissing noises I read about on this forum. Perhaps the 79 would be less problematic?

@ Cutec ... no ... in one word it is there to supply the soundboard - not to worry as playing both you would not ever need to overblow the volume.

Both have issues of one kind or another. But I have heard nothing of issues with the soundboard - when you played if the 99 sounded muddy then that is the position or situation it was placed.
It is easy to make the sounds congested on any piano by playing too many close notes and most likely not the piano but us lol.

Personal but if I was playing in a very large room/hall I would most likely have gone for the 99 but I play in my dinning room which as you know in the UK is not particularly big 5 mtrs x 6.6 mtr + a thumping semi circular bow window at the end, I felt that the 99 (being up against the wall) would not be right. - I do hope you settle well into your choice matey - as I for one going through this same exercise is rather a tad painful

Andy

The 79 with its enlarged deeper 'box' allows for better sound than its predecessors. (sp) The 99 has a very nice feature. The tactical feedback the soundboard gives. I miss that. One could argue it also has a 'bigger' sound. The NV? I might be careful of a mechanical action which may need attention from time to time. I would also expect the sound, not to be a quantum leap over the 79 or 99. Poosibly identical to the 99.

As others have said. Over time, how much you pay is forgotten. But ... ... ...

Buy what makes you happy. None of us are guaranteed a sunrise.

You are your own ears. Compare them. I have made comparisons and felt differently to others, so I'm not confident my assessment would be aligned with yours when you compare yourself.

Nv5s if Ur the type that will buy and always think about the upgrade

Ca79 if Ur the type that is content with what U have.

Everyone is different. I'd go nv5s now...but when I was shopping I would have thought that's out of reach. Selling a high end piano isn't easy.