🎹Kawai Novus NV5 Hybrid Digital Piano - TwinDrive, Onkyo Transducers, Shigeru SK-EX Sound Engine🎹
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Kawai Novus NV5 Flagship Digital Piano: The best digital piano ever made?
Thanks for joining us for our review of the Novus 5 (NV5) Digital Piano. This has been a long time in the making, as these hybrid pianos have been in high demand, and limited production - so more than 3 months have passed since we ordered a floor unit for ourselves...and it FINALLY arrived.
Stu’s taken the Novus through its paces, and gives assessments on its tone, touch, ebony polish cabinet, and overall impressions. And what's further, the NV5 is undergoing the added scrutiny of potentially being a replacement for Stu's home acoustic piano. So, if you’re in the market for a digital piano where sound management is of paramount concern, and an upright piano is what makes the most sense from a space standpoint, then Kawai has several solutions...and possibly none as exciting as this.
The Novus NV5 is considered one of the great digital pianos of our day, and possibly the best response interface between player and digital piano that’s ever been brought to market - a connection that genuinely approaches what acoustic pianos have always been famous for. Although it’s positioned as the less-costly choice between it and the Novus 10 (similar approach, but meant to emulate/replace an acoustic grand piano), in many ways I consider it even more successful...the look is less ‘edgy’, which will satisfy a wider audience stylistically, and the sound projection matches a real upright even closer than an NV5 matches a real Upright.
At its core are two stand-out achievements: a full-scale, 100% replicated Millennium III Acoustic Upright Piano Action, and an all-new motherboard integrating the top tech from Kawai as well as Onkyo, a Japanaese audiophile & stereo company. Besides the NV5, it’s the only other Kawai to give true modelling in it’s “pianist” mode. Altogether, it delivers a playing experience that rivals a high quality 46" upright piano with slightly heavier action.
SOUND:
The NV5 has two different playing modes, the first is ‘piano’ or ‘pianist’ mode, which calls upon the top-level sound processor the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX Rendering engine...it’s a multi-dimensional sound processor that’s based off SK-EX sample set, with 19 parameters of additional synthesis on top. It gives the user 10 presets to toggle between, and even more fine-tuning for those who want to really get under the hood.
The sound is driven through 135 watts of power and sent to multiple speakers all over the cabinet...several below the keys, and a speaker strip along the top/back edge of the piano, to emulate sound escaping from the back of the piano. The centrepiece is the "twindrive soundboard" though: a real spruce soundboard speaker system driven by two Onkyo transducer magnet assemblies specially designed to mate to the board. The result is a bass and lower mid response which simply leaves all other digital pianos in the dust.
ACTION:
Kawai isn’t the first to integrate actions into ultra-premium digitals (Yamaha’s NU series certainly deserves credit here), but it does have the benefit of having seen the Yamaha in action for several years prior, and knew exactly where to make improvements and tweaks.
Several other blind tests and side-by-side comparisons online already have pointed out the differences in performance.
The action in many respects is the same as in its acoustic upright piano cousin; instead of wool hammers striking a string, there is a synthetic carbon hammer which crosses several beams of IR light which constitutes its hammer sensing system.
The full whippen / jack mechanism is identical to the acoustic alternative, and also includes a full upright piano damper mechanism.
In short, the Novus NV5 offers the most authentic replication of an upright piano action that exists on the market, providing pianists with a choice they simply didn’t have a few years ago: a satisfying upright piano with complete digital control, with no musical compromises.
The NV5 also offers a true pedal feel system, which gives half-pedalling, and an accurate spring tension for all three pedals.
Conclusions
In all honesty, this was the first digital piano that Stu has ever reviewed where he’s contemplated replacing his acoustic...not (as he says in the video) because it’s outright better, but because on balance, it’s a more usable instrument in a typical living space. Little to no musical compromise, and complete tone control for playing enjoyment at any time of day, regardless of what’s going on in your apartment, condo, or home. - เพลง
This is probably the most serious face I’ve ever seen Stu playing a digital instrument. I could tell that he likes the NV5 so much.
Am I the only one who would want to live in Canada to go and nerd around pianos at Merriam Music with Stu??
No, you're not alone :)
I'd definitely go to Canada, but I'm in Australia so it's not going to happen
I have a customer in Toronto, if we ever have a meeting over there I#ll come along...
@@barbaramarshall5271 you never know.
Me, too! I have relatives in Oakville, where Merriam Music is located. If this virus hysteria ever ceases the next time I get up there, I will stop by for sure!
It may be enough to say that so many viewers are captivated by Stu's eloquent presentations and heartfelt playing. No one can compare.
I love how you put that phrase, "...the glory of an interval." Right on brother! 😎👍
Thought the same bro.
When you can both watch a digital piano review and cry in 34 minutes, it is time well spent. Thanks Stu.
Lovely instrument and great playing by Stu.
I just purchased this baby for my upgrade from Yamaha P125. Yes, it's quite a jump, but this video convinced me to make this big move, especially specifically for the feel of the "real" action. If it were only for the sound, I wouldn't consider it, and Yamaha P125 was just fine for my ears. But, I tried it personally at our local dealer in Calgary (Piano Gallery), and it blew my mind. I literally felt the vibration of the body, both mine and piano itself. I am very very happy, and thank you for your passionate and very honest review of this piece of art. Thank you!
Hmmm...I am trying to jump from Yamaha P120 to this one. Your comments are encouraging.
@@RaghunathIyer Yes, go for it!
Hello, I’m currently trying to upgrade from yamahap125 to an acoustic upright like kawai k500 but my teacher has lots of praises for kawai digital pianos with real action/touch as well. Have you been enjoying your NV5? I think NV10 has actual grand piano touch but only NV5 is in my budget 😅 Would you say NV5 is superior to upright Kseries?
His improvisation is amazingly inspiring! Truly talented musician!
Wow!! I love that Stu is just blown away
Your impressive talent and beautiful playing bring out the best in every piano. But this Kawai hybrid does seem pretty special.
Excellent work. Thank You!
Great review, honest, personal, and authentic!
Loved the personal stories/review :)
Thanks a lot for this amazing review !!
If only i could justify it , sounds beautiful and reviewed by the best .
What an amazing video on an amazing piano!! I love your demo songs, it’s exactly the style of piano I play as well, just not as good as you 😉. I can’t wait to get one for myself.
Great review. Thanks Stu. I was considering an NV10 but will definitely audition the NV5 aswell now.
I played Kawai ca93 for 8 yrs and finally purchased NV5. During these 3 weeks of playing I notice my wrists are getting sore from the real upright action because coming from simulated key action I wasn’t prepped for a real key action of NV5. I need to up my antes. I am so so happy with this purchase. The soundboard in this NV 5 resonates and you can feel vibrations from this piano. There is a long wait for this piano. Thanks Stu, another brilliant video.
You can dial back the weight of the keys if it's too much for you. There's a setting in the VT mode (virtual technician)
@@SpaghettiKillah You cannot. You can set the touch curve (the loudness of the sound relative to how hard you hit the key) but you cannot modify the weight of the keys.
@@jayshko but you can do that in the CA series. is the NV a downgrade?
Andre Fontes you cannot change the weight of the keys in any digital piano. That would require installing a motorized mechanical system or something which would cost a fortune.
@@jayshko I am afraid you are incorrect. In several digital pianos you can regulate how hard you need to press for the key to actuate, from light to hard. Meaning, the key becomes lighter or stiffer to the touch. eventually you can get pain in your wrists after playing on the stiffer settings
Your passion for music and piano is an inspiration to many. Your affection toward Kawai Novus NV5 is even more evident, looks like it is close to your heart. As usual, it is wonderful passionate review. I can imagine all the "Lullaby" you play at your home to put all of them to sleep. I cannot afford many piano that you demonstrate, but can live the dream by watching you play. If you get a piano, it starts feeling like we also have it. Happy playing and Happy watching.
Wow! The harpsichord reminds me of music school -- we had a resident harpsichordist. The realism of this instrument is beyond compare for a digital piano.
I've visited the Merriam Music stores, both in Vaughan and Oakville locations, many times. I just loved and appreciated my time there, and the 1-hour drive to either store was filled with anticipation. The only reason I didn't go more often was that I didn't want to tease the sales staff - otherwise I would've been there once a month. Can't wait to test this new NV5 some day.
And that, friends.....is how Stu fell in love with a piano! Fabulous review ❤️
Fantastic review! Thank you very much
Thanks a lot Stu for this fantastic and personal review!!! I have been looking for this kind of review for a very long time. Your fantastic playing of that Chopin showed that we're dealing here with an unprecedented sound quality. Probably the only thing that you didn't mention was that the NV5 has a real damper mechanism such as the NV10 - this obviously adds to the realism of this fantastic piano. After a review like this, I can say that I only need to save the money to buy this piano :-). Thanks again!
I bought it just 10 days ago. Absolutely fantastic.
do you still like it? :) I'll be buying it soon!
does it sound like an acoustic?
AMAZING review ... I am very interested in owning one of these incredible digital pianos!
Family is everything! This is one of my favorite videos of yours. Mainly because you struggle/love to fit your family neatly in the mix.
Honestly, I think you’re the best piano interviewer out there. I always look to what you have to say first.
Yooo-da-man!
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thank you for supporting the channel and for sharing your wonderful comments! I will certainly pass them along to Stu. I know he appreciates it immensely! All the best and happy playing! :)
Kawai know what they're doing. The NV5 was out of my price range and I went with the CA79.
I mean to be honest the CA79 was out of my price range too but I loved it, haha. The experience of the CA79 is definitely not as good through the speakers, and lack of a sound board, but it's still good. For me, I'm usually playing on headphones after work, and for that it's been absolutely amazing.
How much are they?
Thanks so much for the great review. You sold me and mine is due to arrive this month. I can hardly wait.
I am tracking reviews of this piano. Wanted to know if yours arrived and you have had a chance to play, experience and report
Yes, it arrived on Tuesday. I can not give a full review yet but my impression so far is very positive. Beautiful sound, more dynamic range and a more responsive pedal, a wonderful instrument. It took longer because they sent the new NV5S.
Thanks for this review Stu. I purchased one of these, sight unseen, for my wonderful wife based on your long awaited video along with several others.
In short, this instrument is a wonderful alternative to an acoustic piano and we're both really happy with it overall.
There are however a couple areas where I would have hoped for MORE based on your comments. I'd be hard pressed to call the BASS response on instruments such as Church Organ or Strings as "BONKERS". It's certainly better than many other keyboards BUT doesn't approach any decent sub-woofer for those lower frequencies.
A word of caution IF you plan to place this instrument against a wall. Make sure that your power and interconnection cables do NOT touch the Soundboard or you will get objectionable rattles at certain resonant frequencies. That's easy to correct though.
Within the "Music" section, the onboard samples provided for things like Hymns, etc. sound like they were recorded by someone with about Grade One Piano proficiency, i.e. no emotion or depth. Perhaps they were recorded using a "Step Time Sequencer". Certainly nothing like Stu Harrisons playing talent!
I had been hoping to use the Bluetooth Audio feature as an external speaker system for our newly acquired Large Screen TV which is mounted directly above the piano. To be fair, it sounds really good when playing back audio files of an acoustic piano. However, as a "Full Frequency" high fidelity audio system it falls FAR short. Obviously, the audio system within this Kawai NV5 is equalized to enhance the frequency spectrum of a piano, i.e. from 27.5 to 4186 Hertz. It is particular lacking in high frequency response where the "sibilants" required for clear speech recognition are totally missing. We're going to need an additional Sound Bar for T.V. or movies, etc.
In summary, the Kawai Novus 5 EXCELS at it's PRIMARY mission of representing a fine acoustic piano and we're certainly not sorry we made this acquisition. However, IF you are hoping to use it extensively for other purposes, an in depth personal audition of it's capabilities, prior to purchase, would be worth your investment in time.
Next year the NV1 will be in a grand piano cabinet with grand piano action from shigeru with ABS carbon fiber.. It's going to be amazing to see the reaction.. And the VPC 2 will be released with midi 2.0 connectivity.. Such exciting times for producers and musicians..
I mostly enjoyed listening to you playing. You are very good and it was a brilliant review. Probably the best I have seen for this piano. See if you can do a comparison review with the yamaha nu1x please. Lots of chatter online but no one is providing a decent review. I would be surprised if that video doesn’t generate more views. Thanks.
the passage at 19:37 was just amazing... that smile :D
explainations are great but above this I like the way you actually play
Great Video. I got a NV5 for now about 14 months. Very happy with the sound quality. Could not agree more with you Stu. Would you find the time to show how to pull out the Piano Action in order to clean it? Cheers from Berlin
Love this video...I am going to buy one...wish Stu was in Baltimore to give him my business!!!!!
This looks incredible, you did an amazing job running through this... if this was around a couple of years ago before I bought an acoustic I’d have definitely considered it (having adjoining neighbours with a child). It was great to see you have a legitimate vested interest, looked like you were having a blast!
Question, if this has an official upright action, does it suffer from damp/humidity, lost motion etc as normal action might suffer from? Can a regular piano technician regulate the action? Fix lost motion, alter touch weight etc!? Or are these non issues? Would be great to know.
Thanks again for the video, great stuff!
Thank you!
Agree Stu! Great potential for professional live/studio application. Unfortunate not to have balanced 1/4”/XLR outputs. If ever implemented, suggest these being placed on the lower side of the piano.
Edit: This question has been asked and answered among the comments below. Cheers!
Hey Stu, just got a chance to watch this. Fantastic video, I loved hearing what this instrument can do (though I'm sure my headphones don't do it justice). Based on the smaller form factor, spruce soundboard, and otherwise very similar construction, is there any reason you'd recommend the NV10 over this one? It seems like they occupy the same niche, but this one might be strictly more practical.
As always, love hearing your thoughts.
Stu, thanks for your review. I always enjoy watching you play. Just curious, how's does the digital aspect of the Aures compared to the NV5? Are they using the same tech?
An interesting comparison video would be between the Kawai Novus NV5s and the Kawai Aures K500.
Thank you for your excellent reviews! How would you compare this to the nv10? Is there a reason you wouldn't consider that one also for your home?
Excellent review. You really made me rethink my plans for the next piano purchase. I understood that purely digital piano will never satisfy me and there will be a constant quest for upgrades. For now, I started to use VST piano emulation and just focus on the action part of my digital piano, The rest will be done on my computer and audio system (high end). Will you review high end MIDI piano controllers and VSTs?
This guy can play
I played one today and was floored at the comprehensive quality and feel. might be worth 10k
I am so happy to hear that you had a chance to test out the NV5S! It is a wonderful piano on all fronts! :)
Stu...you convinced me....i bought the nv5 Yesterday!!!! 😀😀
Have you received it yet? Is it as awesome as Stu describes??
@@Goyote yes i've received It and it's an Amazing instrument! I traded It with my old acustic piano and well...the feeling Is different, in the beginnig i was pretty confused but After some days i would Say that i'm Happy about my choise! I had problems in playing my old piano at home...now i can play anytime without loosing the touch of a real piano.
@@maurobianchi6762 thanks I'm considering buying one.
The Millennium III action in the NV5 is from a K200 (as far as I know). I wonder if a better hybrid would be created if the action, let’s say, from a K500 was installed. True, all the K models have the Millennium III action but the geometry is different for the different sizes.
Will the *Grand Feel III* (in the CA99) fare better than a full-action *Millennium III*, when it comes to frequent moving around the house (due to renovations)?
Our living room is going to be seeing a complete overhaul over the next decade. And so, I will need a piano that can put up with frequent moving around the house (perhaps one that features a soundboard).
It'll be exciting to see where this technology end ups in 5-10 years once I can afford one. Would love for the option to turn on the piano, by simply opening the lid.
Hi
Nice playing ,can you tell me the name of piece you are playing 7 minutes in ...its lovely . .thank you .
Everything seems perfect. But does the wooden soundboard bring back maintenance issues?
Hi, does anyone know how Kawai Novus NV5 compares to Yamaha Avantgrand NU1X? Is there any comparison review available? Can't find one...
Hi Stu. I enjoyed very much your review of the novus nv5 and the pieces you played. I wonder if you can answer the following: In an accoustic piano, when you press the right pedal, all the strings continue vibrating until the pedal is released or until they lose all their energy. But, there is another very interesting and important property to accoustic pianos: when you press any key or a combination of keys and you do it gently enough, the hammers do not reach the strings and no sound is produced. However, if you leave those keys pressed and you play some other keys, the open strings resonate with the active strings and this produces a subtle effect, which is different from pressing the righr pedal. but no less interesting and important. My question is then: Is this effect occuring also with the nv5 or any other hybrid piano?
Such beautiful playing. Can anyone tell me the name of the first piece Stu plays?
Stu, what is the name of the song you played at 7:40ish??!!!! It’s beautiful… I want to learn it. I’ve put a deposit down for NV5S, thanks to your review.
Hello Stu,
This was one of your best reviews ever! Just fabulous! You mentioned that the NV5 has the Millennium upright action similar to the K200 without the hammers. Does the action require any type of regulation a few years down the road? Once again, awesome review and keep them coming. Hearing you play inspires me.
Ciao
How is the piano compared to Kawai K300 Aures when using digital sound??
coming in a little late - but how did you find it when played with headphones? Your domestic description suggested the need to play with headphones sometimes, where maybe the soundboard is not in use etc? So it’d just be the action. Maybe the soundboard can still be partly used for not ‘silent’ mode but giving vibrations back through your fingers?
Yet another fantastic review! A general question regarding hybrid pianos: how quickly will the technology become obsolete?
There's already a NV5s available.
This is definitely a piano endgame for me, it's so expensive tho :(
Proud owner of CA58 here.
I'm curious how well the Yamaha AvantGrand NU1X stacks up against the Kawai NV5.
I wonder if the upgrades on the NV5S and NV10S are significant?
Anyone knows what is the maintenance needed for this kind of keyboard action?
"USB to Host" connector is labeled as "Connect this instrument to a computer or tablet to send or receive MIDI data" (in the Owner's Manual). Question - so it cannot output a digital sound stream of what it has created internally? (If it could that would allow to connect that digital stream to be routed into a discrete Digital to Analog converter that could then send the analog signal to amplification/speakers. Yes, that's what the 1/8" connector does on an analog level.
Wow that was very intense and touching. Although I haven't played this piano yet, I can tell that it is quite special. Quick questions: did you play the Roland LX708? If you did, in your personal opinion, is it in the same league as the NV5 when it comes to "real piano" sensations? Thanks a lot again for the video, you've gained a subscriber!
I realize that this is a bit too late to be of any help to you, but for future viewers of these comments, here's a link to Stu's comparison of the NV5 and the LX708: th-cam.com/video/6Fam4EnMHU4/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for this very informative review! I also watched your review of the Kawai K-300 Aures and I am wondering how these two pianos compare. Do you feel from the NV5 action, that the hammers do not touch any strings and bounce back? In which regard you would prefer one or the other piano (apart from the obvious point, that the K-300 adds the acoustic mode, and other bare specs)?
Go for the GL10 ATX like I did 💪 and I also have the Kawai ES920 that started my obsession with Kawai 🎹
GOSH I love your reviews ! For what it's worth, although others had already reviewed the NV5, your piano skills are astonishing and I'd watch just for that!
Now I'm more into the NV10 grand action, but I really like the nv5 form factor and the soundboard (whereas the back of the nv10 is ... ugly honestly). Still struggling to make a choice!
👆This. Kawai should introduce a NV5G - NV5 with grand piano (NV10) action.
i have german Grand Piano too in my moms House, the Kawai would be my dream piano but i dont like the Kawai sound so much..but the specs are perfect
Just curious, what acoustic upright do you have?
I like the way he forgets he’s supposed to be selling the piano then has to walk back his comment...
Is the key action on the nv5 identical to the k series (200, 300 ...)?
Thanks
I'll hazard a guess that for the vast majority of prospective buyers (myself included, a classically trained pianist) this NV5 will prove to be a more viable and attractive alternative than the more expensive NV10, due to its more affordale price point, and the presence of that actual wooden soundboard. Sure the NV10 has that grand piano action, but unless you're a concert level professional needing extremely rapid note repetition (for playing repertoire like Ondine or Scarbo from Ravel's Gaspard de la Nuit, for example) OR you regularly perform recitals on concert grands, and so need to habituate to that particular action, it's not really a necessity. Sure there might be some additional tactile pleasure in striking those longer keys of a grand piano action. But I'd like to think that the musculo-digital sensory feedback you get from the vibrating soundboard on this NV5 more than compensates for that. I for one would certainly like to experience it for myself first hand. Lucky Toronto-nians to have such an enviably well-stocked and knowledgeable resource as Merriam Music so close at hand!
It's interesting that you talk about the limits of particular key actions, and what can be played. I'm very much a beginner, but my piano teacher makes very interesting points around this. He's a concert pianist, and at home he plays a Roland piano, the 605 I think, so not the very latest action. But he's purely using at as a controller for Pianoteq software, which he thinks is remarkable. My point is that to him this Roland action feels very much like a Steinway, and happily plays concert level pieces (including Gaspard de la Nuit) on it, and has recorded albums with this set up. He plays a little of the Ravel here: th-cam.com/video/6WPKchQDUJ4/w-d-xo.html The level of nuance this set-up affords him doesn't limit what he plays. Even more confusingly, he is playing the piece with the Bechstein Piano simulation, and points out that the keyboard - being Steinway like - doesn't match exactly the feel of the Bechstein Pianoteq is giving him. I think my point is that at a certain level the discussion one can have about the equipment doesn't matter to a great pianist. Beyond a certain level of equipment they will always be able to produce music at the highest level. I think it becomes more of a preference rather than a limitation.
It's the escapement issue for me. I am currently working on Ondine and it needs that technical support only the grand action offers. But how often do I need to play above the escapement as opposed to being able to use a set of headphones?
So if we’re in an environment where we have to keep the volume lower, are we better of with a CA99, or even a CA79?
The key action is better (or more real) than on the CA-99, but is the sound better on the ear and not on line out? can anyone describe this? Louder, more space, more dynamic, more separation (clear sound with more air). I saw the NV 10 has more depth, but how does the NV5 against the CA-99. And how would it compare against the Roland LX-708 which has also a better new larger key action (but no real action like this one)?
Hmmm, this video really made me think !!! I was looking to replace my creaky 50 year old Petrof upright (I'm the original owner) and have been leaning towards getting another European made upright (something along the lines of a 48 inch tall Hoffman Tradition or similar) when the Covid pandemic reared its ugly head. I am no great shakes as pianist having not played for years prior to my retirement but I now play regularly (somewhere around RCM grade 8-10 in terms of the pieces I tend to work on) and would like to get a decent piano to last the rest of my life . Covid related considerations have put my looking around and trying different pianos on hold for now but, based on this review, I wonder if this NV5 or the NV10 may be a better alternative to the acoustic if the digitals truly sound and feel like a "real" piano and are in a similar price range !!! Hmmmmmm .......
Thanks so much Stu, for another terrific review. A question if I may, would you care to compare Novus 5 to K300 Aures? Is Novus 5 better than the Aures despite lacking the "acoustic" mode? Cheers, Ali.
The Novus 5 is definitely a better musical experience when comparing the Aures to digital/silent mode only. The two are very different beasts, meant for different situations IMO - If the majority of time you have the option to play acoustically without sound / noise considerations, and you don't mind the additional maintenance of an acoustic, the Aures is the better instrument (i.e. Novus vs a K300 acoustic). If you'd have to be playing in digital and/or silent mode MOST of the time, I'd give serious consideration to the Novus for sure.
This is good, Stu, I have watched this review from start to finish twice now. Can you please do a comparison of this instrument to the CA99? Besides the millennium 3 upright action vs the grand feel iii, they seem to share the same onkyo treatment and their speaker wattage is apparently the same... Would like your expert impression. Can't test the pianos myself due to covid here in the UK at the moment...
That would be very interesting to learn
Absolutely, CA99 vs NV5 will be happening next week!!
@@MerriamPianos Hi Stu, i compared both the CA99 and the NV5. I'm curious on your impression from the sound of both. After my comparison i changed my decision and bought the other. I don't write now which i bought. ;-)
@@MerriamPianos hey, its on our shortlist as well. Basically from CA-79-99 and NV5. beside the actions the piano should also have a spare time job to play music via BT or Line Input (Sonos) so it would be great to have comparison about the Sound capabilities of the three especially from speaker and soundboard perspective. Especially as some folks stating the "boxy" aspects of the CA-99, also present at NV5. and BTW: is there any point to compare with the NU1X, N1X line up?
Is the NV5/NV5S action heavier / slower compared to the CA-99 since it is upright action compared to the CA-99 grand-action imitation?
Does the NV hammers hitting still feel real at low volume ?
Ive tried a hybrid Casio & the action is nice at medium or high volume but at low volume feels fake / doesn’t match! “The hammers is too hard or have too much swing” wondering if we should just go with a CA79 or 99
Great review Stu! I'm currently considering the CA79, CA99 or NV5. Although the latter is probably out of my budget. Enjoyed your review of the CA79 last week also...so just waiting for the CA99 full review to complete the picture. A comparison of these would be great, if not as a full review then at least in some passing comments. One can imagine the soundboard of the CA99 raises the richness of sound above that felt from the CA79...but then how much further in experience does the NV5 take you above the CA99? Considering the modest price difference from the CA79 to CA99 compared to the more substantial jump up from the CA99 to the NV5, some comparison in quality/experience would be beneficial. Thank you.
Hi Maurice. I'm exactly in the same situation as you were 8 months ago. Seriously considering to get the CA99 over the CA79, but wondering if it'd be worth going for the NV5 (the price of the NV5 is 50% more of the CA99). Did you made a decision? Happy with what you got?
@@davidperez4395 exactly in the same situation. any feedback? thanks
@@fontexstudios Hi Andre. I eventually bought the CA99 and I'm very pleased. I hadn't played for 20 years, so I have probably forgot how a real piano really feels. But to me it does the job perfectly. Never could try the CA79 or NV5 though, so can't really compare. But as I said, the CA99 was a perfect choice for me. Good luck with yours!
I've considered looking at these models too. I've played a CA99, but haven't managed to try out an NV5. As far as I am aware, the main difference between the two models is the action. The CA99 has a simulation grand piano action, whereas the NV5 has a real acoustic upright action. A lot of it comes down to personal preference, and which sort of action you prefer. I'd love to try them out side by side.
Apologies for not replying earlier. I went for the CA79 after all. Supply issues due to Covid meant no NV5s to try. I did try the CA79 and CA99 side by side. I thought the CA79 was very good indeed. Such a great feel in the keys and the sound was plenty loud and rich. I simply didn't see the benefit of the CA99 for my purposes. The sound was different but difficult to say it was better. So I am very happy with the CA79.
Can i use a bluetooth headphone to connect to Kawai Nvs5/ Nvs10? The wired headphone interrupts my hand's movement.
Great instrument....but what about the playing.....absolutely beautiful!!!
Does the actions required regular regulation like normal acoustic piano?
Other than the action, how is it different from the CA99?
Are there any differences to the CA99 instead of the Actions?
Hey Stu, great review, as always, but I have a question. If you're using headphones most of the time when you're playing this at home (as you would be, right?), doesn't that negate many of the advanced features of the NV5 compared to, say, the CA 79? I mean, what difference does the soundboard make when you're playing through headphones?
I can't speak for Stu, but I am in a similar situation with family and neighbors, and switching from the alto sax to a digital piano for those same reasons. The thing is not black or white. You win the opportunity to play anytime, BUT, there is also moments in which you can play without headphones, and man it makes a difference.
is there really a big difference between the CA79, CA99 and the NV5?
Ok, it's been over a month now and I have to ask this question. Stu, did you finally choose NV5 for your own usage to use instead of acoustic piano? This is a serious question.
I’d like to know too.
15:19 vs th-cam.com/video/sVqP-3Y9NsM/w-d-xo.html
@@alicaramba7680 What did that have to do with anything?
He has one in his house
Stu, what is the name of the song you began playing at 7:30? It’s beautiful. 👍🏼
Hi there! I would have to check with Stu as to what piece he is playing at that point, but I do agree that it is quite beautiful! :)
Hi, thank you for the wonderful video. I too have a 19 month old and am interested in the Novus series for the same reasons you mentioned. Could you tell me how loud the action is? The piano would be situated about 4-5 metres from the babies room and wanted to make sure the sound of the action won't disturb him. Any help with this would be greatly received.
If the action were loud enough to disturb a sleeping child, there’s an easy solution: a white noise machine or fan or something (either in the baby’s room or outside of it) to cover up that minimal sound.
One concern I have is the longevity of digital pianos. If I buy a K300 I know that, if I look after it, it will last for decades. How long do the manufacturers estimate an NV5 will last?
That's what's running around my mind . I know with an accoustic I can always get it repaired . I wonder how many piano technicians would go near this piano if I needed a repair on a key mechanism for example ? It's a tough one to decide
@@dee6962 good point, hard to decide especially when you're talking about this kind of money. Old digitals are unplayable once you've tried the better new ones. Question is whether Kawai has reached a level that is good enough for this instrument to last 10 - 20 years. It seems like it but it will be improved upon again. Ideally I'd like this Novus5 with the Novus 10 action, just a matter of time I'm sure.
If you can own an accoustic piano, noise-level wise, it's a no brainer to me. If not, then this piano is worth its price because you can play it anytime and it seems to be a fantastic experience, albeit expensive. The technology makes me curious, to be honest, but that will wear off as what matters most is the musicality and playability of the instrument. I am considering this as a replacement for my kawai mp11SE which I play more often then my Schimmel upright because I live in a rowhouse and have a kid. Will be interesting to see which one I will choose at times when I can play out loudly. I might have to rethink my 'no-brainer' decision on this topic...
Also, for the entrepreneurs, there is now an obvious opportunity for technicians who specialize in repairing digital piano's.
@@omedome2787 i obviously can't tell about this one in particular, but a close friend of mine uses her (back then) high end digital piano for almost 20 years now. Kawai gives an extended warranty of 5 years i think. Mechanical parts can allways be fixed, electrical/software problems are a bigger issue after the warranty ends. But thats a small risk. 90% (about the actual percentage) of damage happens within the first years while warranty still is in order, after that your product is kinda safe for years to come until it comes to its lifes end.
Based on experience at the church I attend, electronic musical instruments can have a pretty decent lifespan. Our organ is a 33 year old Allen Digital and it's still going fine. We also have a 20+ year old High End Roland digital piano which cost over $6,000 Canadian when purchased. The only issue we've had with that is a damaged 1/4" Line Out Jack because some idiot rolled it away from it's usual position without unplugging that jack. Granted, neither of these instruments would experience the hours of use that a home piano might be subjected to.
I also personally own a 22 year old Marantz home surround sound receiver which still works flawlessly so electronic circuitry can have a decent lifespan.
In short, I would expect this Novus 5 to last at least 20 years, but certainly not up to the lifetime of my 100+ year old Canadian made acoustic upright piano. That old upright certainly doesn't have the clarity/ambience/transparency of more modern piano designs but it still holds it's tune remarkably well.
I really think the choice between an acoustic and a digital boils down to your living conditions and whether you or your neighbours can tolerate the volume an acoustic piano will ALWAYS deliver. It appears that this Novus 5 can also produce such volumes; perhaps even more, BUT we have choices of reducing volume or using headphones. The additional capabilities/features that a digital piano/keyboard offers CANNOT be matched by any purely acoustic piano.
Very lovely. The future is here. Please publish your improvisation. Mere mortals would like to try to play it. I think the high wattage has to do with driving a large wooden sound board as compared to a paper speaker cone. I'm waiting for the NV Novus Grand with the computer balanced accelerated Millennium Concert Grand action and the transducer driven diaphragmatic winter hardened 100 % virgin Canadian Sitka Spruce crowned rib Stradivarius tuned resonance soundboard driven by 200 watt stereo hybred transistor input / tube output amplifiers.
Your reviews (and playing) are about 1000x better than that arrogant Pianoforever gremlin whose videos get pushed everywhere on YT.
Please give me your review about the Kayserburg concert grand
Thank you for the suggestion! We do not have any Kayserburg grand pianos at the moment, but we will do our best to tackle reviews of their line if the opportunity presents itself. Thanks again and happy playing! :)
So would you prefer this hybrid to Yamaha’s Silent Piano technology which has the full acoustic experience and digital?
Don't forget Kawai's versions too, the K300 atx and the K300 Aures..They have alot more features than Yamaha's version's.
Is there software from Kawai which can be installed on an iPad and then connected to the NV5 which may help a child learn how to play piano pieces?
maybe not from Kawai but there's many options, several great ones, that are standalone apps / subscriptions that are compatible with any piano. don't worry about a manufacturers proprietary learning software... pick a piano for the piano, there are better third party software options anyway.
ES950 - when??
Which german do you have?
Thank you for your great reviews Stu! Can one say it is the equivalent of the Novus 10? Or does it already have better technology and workmanship than the Novus 10? Would you say that it is ultimately a question of how important a Grand Piano Action is to you versus Upright Action to decide between the two (apart the price and size difference)? I was super interessted in the NV10, but your enthusiasm for the Novus 5, as much as I can understand it, is a little unsettling for the Novus 10 for me, because it seemed to me in your Novus 10 review you were less enthusiastic. To cut a long story short: are the Novus 5 and Novus 10 at eye level? Cheers Tim
Hey Tim! Great question, and one I've been wrestling with since I did this review. In my mind, there's only one reason to get the NV10 over the NV5 (and maybe this is obvious) but it's the action. For people really wanting the response of that Millennium III grand action, no other place to look than the 10...but from a sonic standpoint, zero advantage on one vs the other. In fact in some respects I prefer the sonic "presentation" of the NV5 more. (* I've always been an upright guy anyway, and prefer the intimacy of the playing experience vs. larger grands, so this is prob a personal preference vs an objective judgement). So to answer your question, absolutely eye-to-eye. Worth equal consideration on all fronts. -stu
So why pick one over the other?
Marcus Valdes, entirely a preference of aesthetic or action (or perhaps the sonic experience of the one vs the other...the difference is quite remarkable). There is no discernible difference in quality of programming / hardware / amps / speakers / overall technology whatsoever. Thanks for the question! -stu
@@MerriamPianos Hey Stu! May you please tell me a little bit more about what you mean by the sonic experience? Thanks!
@@PostFrontier he most likely mean the sounds travelling from the pianos to you as you are playing the instruments.
I want this so bad. It's a shame i'm a poor student living in a 1 room flat