🎹 Unveiling the Roland LX-9: The Ultimate Digital Piano Experience! 🎹
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 มิ.ย. 2024
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Introduction
Without a doubt, Roland’s brand-new LX-9 is the most technologically advanced digital piano available. For those already familiar with Roland’s past models, there are some meaningful differences and upgrades between this model and the LX-708.
Today we’ll look at these differences and get an overall impression of the instrument.
Often, our digital piano reviews come out differently than our acoustic piano reviews because acoustic pianos are less about specs and features and more about the musical effect the piano has.
LX-9 Differences
Keys
The LX-9 utilizes the same Grand Hybrid action as the LX-708 except with the addition of haptic key vibration, which gives you control over the level of vibrational feedback you feel through the keys while playing. This can be shut off if unwanted.
Sound
The Piano Reality Modeling engine is not just a renamed version of the Pure Acoustic Modeling engine. It is still modelling, a synthesized piano sound versus a sampled piano sound, but if nuanced and complex enough, it will be able to replicate a wider combination of harmonic intricacies and allow for a level of editability that will let you create a piano tone of your own.
The new Piano Reality Modeling outputs multi-channel audio instead of stereo as well as a digital signal instead of analog so the signal does not get converted to analog until it is amplified at the speakers. Every effect, EQ, and any other DSP that is active in the audio chain remains completely digital right to the point where you hear it. This creates a cleaner, higher-fidelity tone when compared to the LX-708.
Speakers
Not only has the type and quality of the speakers improved on the LX-9, but the configuration has changed as well, most notably with the centre channel speakers which are now right behind the music desk. The top lid plays an active role in controlling the level of high-end detail and mechanical artifacts, and the total amplification power exceeds 160 watts.
No room is too big for this instrument to fill.
Control Interface
The LX-9 has been upgraded to a buttonless touchscreen display. In standard mode, the touchscreen buttons are all visible making it easy to navigate through the tone selection, transport control, menu navigation, and settings functions. Double-tapping the power button turns off the touchscreen while leaving the instrument on. With another single tap, the control panel turns back on.
Piano Editing Fun
The LX-9 comes with a standard set of onboard tones, including electric piano, organ, strings, and pads. As with the Pure Acoustic engine, the real fun is in customizing the piano tone.
Large spaces can make it difficult to draw out detail so the stage piano is an attractive choice with its more prominent upper end to the tone. Having chosen a starting point, you can dive into editing the seemingly endless options; such as ambience, damper pedal, soundboard type, cabinet resonance, full string resonance, duplex scale, ambient noise, key-off noise, and lid position.
Stu’s Thoughts
The LX-9 is producing a true layering of dynamics all at the same time, something which very few other digital pianos are capable of. Usually, you can pick out layers of specific detail, artifacts of tone, attacks, and various articulations, while dynamic layers tend to be blended together, but with multi-channel output and intelligent speaker placement, very distinct layers of volume and nuance can be detected from different parts of the instrument. This creates a “magical stew” that you get to stir with this instrument.
With the myriad of editing options, there are limitless possibilities with the LX-9.
Anyone who experiences this instrument will want to get in and edit, not because the stock sounds are unsatisfying, but because the possibilities are so wide, and it’s fun. If you are an audiophile who loves the tech part of this and who doesn’t have an instrument in this category, you’ve entered the market at a magical time. The technology being deployed on these machines was unaffordable on an instrument like this ten years ago.
When sitting down to play the LX-9, you will treat it and play it as if it were an acoustic piano. The first impulse isn’t to go in and start playing with settings, but to play the piano. There really is no higher compliment to pay to a digital piano than that.
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Stu, thank you for these incredible reviews! I was interested in the LX-9 but my local store had the LX-706 and GP-6. Played them both and fell in love with the GP-6, it was delivered yesterday! Your review on it was very helpful in my purchase, so thanks so much!
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thank you for tuning in and congrats on your GP6! I am a huge fan of that model. I know you will be thoroughly impressed with it. We're glad to hear you found Stu's reviews/comparisons helpful in your process. :)
I think if this channel begins to post videos of Stu just playing the pianos, there is going to be a lot more views.
I will be sure to pass on the feedback and kind words to Stu and the production team! More dedicated performance videos would be quite exciting - I like the idea! :)
It's actually true. I would definitely listen to him. Ideally also add it to Spotify, because I can listen to him without commercials and my screen can be switched off.
I went to the piano store yesterday to test and hopefully buy a Kawai CA701 but purchased the new LX5 instead. My heart wanted the LX6 more because the action was just incredible but ££. The LX5 action was still amazing and I think Roland have definitely refined the PH50 over the previous models but the price difference was quite high between models. Even though the Kawai 701 was a touch more expensive than the LX5 it felt considerably cheaper so my mind was set. The 10 warranty was also a bonus over Kawai's 5yr.
Absolutely! The CA701 and LX5 are both incredible instruments, but they offer a different musical flavour. The 10 year warranty offered on the Roland LX line is quite attractive though for peace of mind when you're making this level of investment. Thanks for tuning in and enjoy your new LX5! :)
Good for you. Enjoy!
Great review as always! I look forward to watching your review of the LX-6 model. I am considering making a purchase, either that one or this one. I actually have the last generation HP 704. I am wondering how much Roland has improved it.
I also played the HP704 a few times and it is a wonderful and balanced instrument. And like you, I am also very curious to see how the LX-6 compares. And later the refreshed HP series yet to be announced too!
Thank you so much! We will be tackling the LX6 model shortly. Thanks for tuning in and stay tuned! ;)
I will say that the new models have some meaningful improvements. The sensor system and its ability to track the nuances/details of a player's performance is quite impressive on the new LX models!
Brilliant review as usual. Stu is magnificent. This piano is on bucket list for my 2-3 yo granddaughter to learn on, and for me of course.
Thank you so much! We appreciate that. The LX9 is an amazing instrument through and through! :)
Great review (as always) Thank you soooo much for all the great stuff you guys do… I would love to see Kawai CA701 and Roland LX-5 comparison…
Thank you kindly! And thanks for the suggestion! I imagine we will be tackling a number of comparisons with the new LX line, so we will do our best to compare the LX5 and CA701 for you. :)
@@MerriamPianos❤
Thank you for another excellent review. I might be in the minority, but I do miss the longer (more winding) reviews. I feel as though that's how I personally test and evaluate a piano. With the older reviews, I got a sense of exploring the instrument a lot more because of the time spent. An example would be the missed notes around 1:13. These were already mentioned in another comment. If I had a dollar for every time a note didn't speak on a piano (acoustic or digital) I would not need a job. But each of those unspoken notes were for all shorts of different reasons, some action, some technique. All that being said, this was a worth while review.
Thank you kindly! We're glad you enjoyed the review overall and we appreciate you taking the time to provide your feedback. I will certainly pass it along to our production team on your behalf. Thank you for tuning in and all the best!
Stu, thank you for the wonderful review. Question: do you prefer the touch and sound of the LX9 or the Kawai NV5?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for tuning in! I won't speak on behalf of Stu of course, but I would say that these two actions are quite different. The decision would heavily come down to personal preference. For players accustomed to a grand piano feel, the LX9 is likely to be the better choice, but, for players that gravitate towards an upright piano touch, the NV5 would be the logical decision of course. :)
I favor the LX9 or its predecessor to the the NV5.
Please do lx6 next
That is certainly in the queue! Stay tuned! :)
I appreciate the detailed analysis and more so the piano skill exhibited which is enjoyable
Thank you for taking the time to tune in! We're glad you enjoyed the video. :)
Would love to watch your review between the LX-9 and the Kawai CA901. Love your channel.
Thanks for the suggestion and for supporting our channel! We will do our best to tackle that comparison for you. :)
Hi great review but I was surprised not to hear mention of how it stacks up against the NV5s ? especially as it is £1000 cheaper than the NV5s here in the UK
Thanks so much! While they are in a comparable price point, they are different offerings in the sense that the NV5S is a true "hybrid" piano, whereas the LX9 is a digital piano. However, perhaps, we will tackle a comparison in the future between these two powerhouse instruments! ;)
Thanks STu for this wonderful review. I’m on the market for a digital piano. Would you review the Yamaha Nu1XA. At the moment these are the 2 models on my short list. Thanks
Hi! Brent here! Thank you for taking the time to check out our channel and for your suggestion! We will do our best to review the NU1XA, but we have a number of new Roland and Casio models to review/compare that are in the queue right now.
NU1Xa came out last fall and is honestly the superior product at a great price point. If you can find a local Yamaha dealer, you must try one.
So the question is where do we go from here? What is there to improve in terms of "piano reality" at this point?
I don’t think it has the superior action of those digital pianos in the $10K+ range.
I would say that with artificial intelligence, something that is likely to happen is similar to what we already see for voice: just a few seconds of someone's voice and AI can reproduce that voice using text-to-speech. In other words, the user can type any text, and the AI will reproduce it using the "learned" voice. Similarly, it will only take a few seconds of recording of a piano that you heard in a song, for example, and the system will create the 88 keys and 127 layers of dynamics to reproduce that piano as accurately as possible. I see this as the logical future of sampling and physical modeling of pianos.
@@cambodennis Well that depends on what you mean by superior. But just generally at the highest levels of the digital piano world, there seems to be very little to improve upon at this point
I think there is always room for improvement of course, but the steps Roland have taken with the new LX and GP lines are quite impressive! More nuance and detail of an acoustic piano experience seem to be captured and better rendered with each new generation of digital pianos from Roland. :)
User interface can almost always be improved.
Hi Stu,
As it's modelling, how does this new Piano engine feel compared to Pianoteq vs 8.2?
Would you be able to do a comparison review between these two modelling systems at some point to show us the interesting features of each and their strengths/weaknesses?
Also with regards to the multi-channel sampling in the CA901, how do you feel they compare with regards to clarity sound-stage, and tone qualities?
I presume one of those Roland models is a D-274 model---which physically (design wise) shares many similarity with the Shiguru SK-EX acoustic piano. How do their tonal characteristics compare?
Will you be doing a comparison videos between the CA901 and the LX9 soon?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for reaching out and writing in with your questions!
It really comes down to a matter of personal preference. Truthfully, I am not the biggest fan of Pianoteq, so I favour the LX9's Piano Reality Modelling Concert engine. To me, it sounds more authentic and has more warmth/depth in the low and low-mid registers. I will certainly pass on the suggestion to tackle a comparison of these tone engines in a video to our production team.
The CA901 and LX9 are very different instruments with completely different tone profiles and actions. While they are in a similar price category, they will appeal to different types of players. The LX9's touch is heavier and more rigid than the CA901's GFIII action in my opinion. From a tonal stand point, I find that the LX9 is a more neutral, transparent tone, whereas the CA901 has more prominent bass response and a more colourful upper register with more harmonic activity.
There are plans to do comparison videos that feature the new LX models, so I imagine the CA901 and LX9 comparison is in the works. ;)
Great analysis and live demonstration 😃
Too many cuts in the video. Better double length of video, if fewer cuts 🙏
Thank you! We appreciate that. And thank you for the feedback. I will be sure to pass it on to our production team.
I realise this instrument has featured in comparisons but could I ask if the Yamaha P525 is in a queue to get its own independent review?
I am not entirely sure if we are going to do a solo review on the P525, but I can certainly pass along the suggestion to our production team. :)
Thank you for the review Stu! I'm sure a full comparison is coming soon, but how would you compare the LX-9 action and overall feeling to the Kawai NV5s? Which one would you get for yourself today if you didn't have the NV5?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for checking out this review of the LX9 and writing in with your question! The LX9 action is a digital action, opposed to an acoustic action like the NV5S. So, from that perspective, they are quite different in terms of feel. I would say that the LX9 plays more like a grand piano, whereas the NV5S plays more like an upright. It really comes down to a matter of personal preference. My recommendation would be to test out both pianos in person if possible to determine which one you resonate with more. :)
Yamaha NU1Xa if you want the best upright feel just like NV5. Or Yamaha N1X for real grand piano action at the same price point as the LX9
Can you please battle LX5, NV5S, and NU1Xa. All current upright style models (sort of haha). Or LX5, N1X, and NV10S to keep it grand. Would be good to see true acoustic vs modeled actions.
Thanks for the suggestion! We will do our best to tackle these comparisons for you. I know there are plans to feature the new LX models in some comparisons against some of the other heavy hitters in the category. :)
Very nice chords! Very nice instrument!
The LX9 is quite impressive to say the least! :)
Do you mean (2,55 - "does not get converted to analog until it is amplified at the speakers") the DSP is converted to analog signal just before every speaker, may be not from one but varios DA for every speaker separately? I looked for more, bur did t find info, Thank you
That is a good question and not one that I have the answer to at this time as Roland's literature on the LX9 does not get that granular unfortunately. Perhaps, we can chat with someone at Roland and dig into this subject deeper in another video that features the LX9 model. We are planning some comparisons with this model down the line of course. ;)
I bought mine last week , but it’s going back to the store. I live in a single family house that is not too big, and I cannot make it sound right, sometime the mids and the lows are too muted and the highs are shooting to the roof all at the same time. I played the Piano in the settings that Stew mentions, it gets better. The Piano plays for nice low dynamics and all of the sudden reacts crazy high. It’s like the tone generator tries to blend in a single tone for all the notes that you’ are playing and then send it to the speakers, in my Roland rp107, for that model the review that Stew gives about that piano is on point and I could feel and hear exactly what he said. It’s as if with the RP107 piano as you press the keys the note sounds start to come out and they get mixed at the amplifier level IDK and they sound more even and I enjoy playing it a lot, I decided to upgrade, I choose the LX9 and I guess everything gets mixed at the tone generator and sometimes is really clear sometimes it gets really crowded and murky and starts to get distorted. It’s super weird I could not make it work at my house. I also saw a video in which the LX/HP models are supposed to have a Bluetooth turn page option for the center and left pedals to read music in apps. I could not find it anywhere on the manual or the Piano , after I called the Piano shop they contacted the Roland Sales rep lady and she said that the function was not stable and they decided to remove it all together on the new LX generation instead of fixing it or at least remove the video that shows that it has it and she suggested I should buy an extra Bluetooth pedal, that made up my mind and the Piano is sadly going back. I think I’m going with more consistent sample modeling option for my next piano.
I'm sorry to hear that you didn't enjoy the musical experience that your Roland LX9 provided. It is a matter of taste and modelling engines can react a bit differently than more traditional sample-based engines. Although it is difficult to weigh in fully without being able to play your specific unit, some of the sonic issues you're describing (i.e. suddenly reacting dynamically, distorting, etc.) lead me to believe that there may be an issue with your actual unit. In any case, I hope you can find a solution that works for your musical needs!
@@MerriamPianos maybe , but it’s super weird, the demo songs that come on the Roland app and play through the piano sounds pretty good, beautiful. But when you try to play it I tried for 48 hours non stop with all the settings I could move and it was not good , but you are right maybe it’s the unit. The settings that Stew recommends on the video was the best setup and sounded the best but at times the reverb was too much, IDK. Thanks for replying, the videos are a really good guide, I’ll pick a Kawai CA701 next week, I played it for hours at the piano shop , it’s not as dynamic but it’s way more consistent on the tone and the action is really nice as well.
Thanks for this interesting introduction to the LX-9. Roland instruments get more and more exciting, but at this pricepoint, the sound is a very critical (and subjective) issue.
Personally, I think I still prefer the Yamaha CLP-785. It would be great to hear them in the same review, even though I realise that there's no full substitute for trying them oneself.
Also, it's great that Roland dps are so tweakable, but I find Yamaha dps ready to play straight out of the box.
You're very welcome! Thanks for taking the time to check out the review! We appreciate it. :)
That is certainly fair. All manufacturers and models have a distinct tone and it is certainly not a one size fits all situation when it comes to sonic preferences. Thankfully, there are a lot of great models out there to choose from, which makes it a bit easier for every player to find a sound that they really connect with.
wow ! Such a reailstic immersive sound...well done Roland !
Absolutely! The level of authenticity that Roland's modelling engines are rendering is nothing short of impressive.
What's that click sound @ 7:52 ?
I believe that is just the attack from the upper treble note Stu is playing. :)
An optimistic vibe is there 🙂
Always! :)
I have a weird question. With a digital piano, how high I should set the volume to imitate a real live piano? I have an LX6 and I'm always wondering. I know if you put the volume to low, you risk playing abnormally to hard. Thanks for the channel and great video!
Hi! Brent here! Thank you so much! We appreciate the kind words and support. It really depends on the piano. In the case of the LX6, I would say something around the 70-75% mark would be a good bet. Thanks so much and congrats on your LX6! The new LX models are fantastic. :)
That is a great sound
It really is an impressive instrument! :)
I'm interested in getting an LX-6, and I went to play both the LX-6 and LX-9 in a showroom. I wanted to share my experience and see if yours(and those reading)'s experiences are similar.
-the good:
the action is the best digital action I've ever felt. The PHA-100 is unbelievable, and I'm tempted to buy it even if I were to mostly use it as a controller. the action is that good. Kawai's GFIII is second place, IMO, but to me the PHA-100 is superior. It's just unbelievable.
overall build quality and fit and finish are very good.
My issues:
sound-wise, for both theLX-6 and LX-9, I was hoping for a higher quality audio experience out of the speakers at this price point. When the volume is at, say 30-40%, it's pretty clean, but the trebles are a bit muted due to the speakers being covered by wood in a lot of places. Didn't sound bad, but sounded a bit muffled. The biggest concern for me was, if the volume was at 50% or higher, if you play fortissimo, especially in the low mids and bass, there is both distortion, as well as a lot of just "shaking" in the unit itself. I could feel the pedals on the furniture itself vibrate from the woofer speaker transferring vibration to the unit.
I wonder if you guys at Merriam experience these issues with the speakers/"solidness" of the unit when playing at louder volumes. It could just have been how that particular floor model was assembled, or it could maybe have to do with something else. I'm not sure.
The piano modeling sounds nice in headphones, but again, out of the speakers, leaves something to be desired. All these demos in this video are line out, which mimics how it sounds in headphones, based on my experience. I was hoping for a really nice luxurious speaker experience. Anyone else finding these issues?
So far it's not a dealbreaker because I'd mostly be using headphones for practice anyway. Just wanted to share my findings.
Even if the speakers across the board aren't great, I'm telling whoever is considering a digital piano, the action alone is worth the price of admission for the LX-6. it's that good.
For me it was between an LX-6 and a kawai K-500. The benefit of course of the kawai is a real acoustic piano, but I'm telling you. A very good mimic of grand action is just miles ahead of a decent upright action, which the K-500 has. But I think the PHA-100 would win vs any acoustic upright action just due to the nature of the beast. So that's a reason to go for the LX-6 if it's between an LX-6 and an acoustic upright.
Yes , I agree with you 100% , I bought the lx9 , I wrote a message on this video. The action is very artificially good OMG but it’s so good that I don’t care, it’s great. The sound with the speakers was unbelievable frustrating. There was no way you can make it sound good, I thought it was just for me with a player perspective but my wife was telling me during the 1 week I had it that it did not sounded good , she preferred the sound of the rp107 ($1200 piano) the lx9 was replacing. At the end it was good experience I realized big pianos don’t play well at my home. So I bought the kawai ca701 not the flagship 901, the action is not as good as Roland but extremely piano like I’m super happy with it, the design is not as “Deathstar” as the Roland, it’s more organic , but the tone even though is not super clean, you can hear those imperfections with good headphones but it’s beautiful and I love it, It got a smile out of me as soon as I started the piano and play the first chord and you can perfect it as you go. I just wish Roland made a more simple Piano with that action, that I would like 🤷🏽♂️
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for tuning in and sharing your thoughts/experiences! The Hybrid Grand action (PHA100) featured on the LX6 and LX9 models is quite impressive. Next to only the NV10S' Millennium III Hybrid Grand action, it is the longest pivot length available in a digital format. This gives it a wonderful weight and high-degree of control. In terms of your comments related to the speaker systems, I have found the LX9 system to be incredible impressive. There are some tonal details of a real wood soundboard that are missing of course, but the dynamic potential of the speaker system is immense. You could also experiment with changing the tonal profile of the instrument to get the type of equalization and frequency balance you're seeking. Also, given that you're up in the air between the LX6 and K500, I will also throw out the suggestions of the K300 Aures 2 and K500 Aures 2 models. These would be the "best of both worlds" solution. They are real acoustic pianos, but have full digital/silent functionality as well. Thanks and hope this helps! :)
@MerriamPianos thanks for the reply! And yes I'm aware of the aures options and such, but as I mentioned, I feel the pha-100 is superior action even to a really good acoustic upright. So for me right now, I can't justify 3x the price of an lx for action that is at the end of the day upright action.
I'm pretty sure I'll be getting an lx6 and using it until I can afford a 7 foot grand....someday lol
PHA 50 I have noticed is so precise, that makes technique Insanely Perfect
It is a very impressive action to say the least! The longer pivot length offered in the LX6 and LX9 models provides even greater control in my opinion. :)
@@MerriamPianos if I get enough money I'll be buying a hybrid PHA 50
Does the more affordable LX-5 have the same piano sounds? Thanks!
Yup! The LX5, LX6, and LX9 models all use the same Piano Reality Modelling engine. :)
If anyone has played these, you should definitely compare with Yamaha's true acoustic touch Hybrids or their hi-end clavinovas with the Piano Room feature
There are certainly a lot of impressive instruments in the category. The choice ultimately comes down to the preferences of the player. :)
A digital piano is an instrument of convenience or cost (an acoustic piano is pretty expensive to buy and keep in tune).
Roland makes great gear (got a Jupiter 50 synthesizer o.a. myself).
Nice demo.
For sure! The convenience and versatility that digital pianos like the LX9 offer can be very attractive to some piano shoppers. :)
What is the title of the piece you play beginning at 6.21 minutes into the video?
I am not entirely sure. I would have to ask Stu as to what piece that is, but it is quite beautiful! Perhaps, one of our helpful community members here will know the answer. :)
Could you imagine this cabinet and sound system with the Kawaii CA901 spruce soundboard?
OMG, I bet it would sound amazing!
That would be quite impressive to say the least! Perhaps, the soundboard systems will become more common in the industry. :)
This is what I was thinking was missing. Kawai really did a hit on that idea and having a ca99, all new costly pianos should have a spruce board at the back
Most digitals should sound better than the CA901. Everyone I've talked to (including people who own it) have not been impressed despite having a "sound board"
One more comment - sooooo, if Stu was looking for a digital today, would he hands down go for the Kawai NV5 or would the Roland LX9 make it harder to choose? One other thing, I believe the Roland LX708 also has the haptic feedback.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for the question! I would have to leave that question for Stu, but I imagine it would make the decision tougher as I know Stu is a huge fan of both Kawai and Roland. And thanks for point that out! You are correct. :)
I have a FP90X and had the LX-706 in the past. Both have the same rendering engine, although the factory presets seem to be different. Tweaked the FP90X to the finest detail to get a a little bit acceptable in tone and dynamic to my ears. Still it is not the same experience as the ES920 I own, which has way more warmth and a natural pleasant tone and is more realistic in sound concerning the balance between direct and ambiance sounds. The Roland is very direct and the reverb is just a detached add-on that doesn't really add to the room experience, just adds an unnatural reverb tail to te dry sound. I wonder in how far the new rendering engine addresses these issues (directness/ lack of warmth) ? Also - I bet the render engine chipsets are the same as in the previous series, so why can't Roland just bring out a firmware upgrade for these models (like the FP90X) with the new rendering algorithms. Don't care if it is a paid upgrade , like the German Grand for the RD2000. Don't need a new cabinet, but a refinement of the sound would be welcome. Now it is always set and forget with Roland (and Yamaha+Kawai). No upgrades after day one, although the CPU hardware to support it is usually there. Shame. E.g, if you practice mostly on headphone, the significance of the new speaker system is small. The new rendering however is very welcome. FP90X as it is could be so much better, with better, more sophisticated EQ for room optimisation, better ambiance effects and improved render models. With the same hardware. Same for previous LX series...
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for writing in! There are some slight differences sonically between the default piano sounds of the FP90X and LX706 as you've mentioned. Part of that is slight tweaks in the EQing, which I think has to do with the fact that two instruments have very different speaker systems and configurations (which will also impact the overall sonic experience of course). There have definitely been some tweaks to the default piano tones on the new LX models as well as updates in virtually every other design aspect of the instrument. For me, one of the most apparent differences is the sensor system and its ability to track a finer level of detail in a player's performance. Naturally, this also impacts the overall sonic The best bet would be to test out the new models and, if possible, to compare them against the previous generation. For some, the differences will feel more nuanced, but, for others, they will be much more apparent. As always, it is a highly subjective experience. :)
Please review the recently released Kurzweil KaE1.
We are not Kurzweil dealers at this time, so it may be difficult to tackle that review for you. We will do our best though!
Besides the footprint, is there any advantage to the GP9 over the LX9?
They are virtually the exact same piano with the exception of the speaker layout and power ratings. However, from a total speaker power standpoint, they are also quite similar. So, it really comes down to the form factor and what your specific preference is. :)
@@MerriamPianos I appreciate the information. I guess someone who prefers the looks of a baby grand wouldn't mind paying that much more. I really like the new format that some people have complained about. I especially like the seconds countdown - some music I like listening to, others I can just scroll through until I see the countdown move to zero. Has Stu ever done a video about his musical background and how he came to Merriam? We don't need to know his credit score, his partner's name, how many children he has and their eye color (mm, no, no we don't), but something about his musical background would be nice.
How does this compare with the previous generation LX-708?
The LX9 has an improved sensor system, speaker system, and tone engine. :)
I think key vibration is the biggest thing missing from most digital poanos. No matter how good the sound is there is always the ohysical disconect for the player. Key vibration hopefully can address that
It is a layer of authenticity and nuance that many digital pianos lack. With that said, Roland has certainly led the charge with the incorporation of haptic vibration systems. :)
This is something you'll find in any Yamaha from the CLP775 to the N3X. They all either have an acoustic cavity to put a tactile response in the key or speaker transducers to accomplish the same task in the keys and pedal
Key vibration is already there on the LX708 - it’s not a new feature!
@@pianowhizz i dont think its on most (even higher end) digital pianos though
@@tbip2001the CA901 also causes key vibration from its soundboard.
Good review.
I can always seem to hear albeit on a TH-cam video the actual "digital" noise of a Roland lx706, 708 and the 9 here. Doesn't sound fully natural.
I feel Roland are trying to make too much of a "digital" piano rather than closely mimicking an uprights sound and feel, something I know is of priority in learning to play (having a ca99 and schimmel) I want to copy the feel of my upright when I can't play due to noise times. Notice how stu doesn't really comment on the feel of the keys as he would a kawai...
Beautiful looking piano though...
Thanks for taking the time to tune in! Every manufacturer has their own vision of what makes the perfect piano of course, so there will be a lot of differences in the tone that different manufacturers offer. At the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preference and subjectivity. Thankfully, there are so many amazing manufacturers and models to choose from on the market these days. :)
How does this action compare to Yamaha CSP295? Since this isn't a true acoustic action, I assume the CSP295 will be the closest comparison
Hi! Brent here! I have played the CSP295 and, in my personal opinion, the LX9's action is far more authentic and nuanced feeling. It is a longer key stick with a faster sensor system. The sensor system in particular really helps render the finer nuances and details of a player's performance. However, it should be said, that touch and tone preferences are deeply subjective. :)
Is there a new RD 2000 on the way? With that new Technology? And yes Stu is playing great, I love it!
Hi! Brent here! We have not received any updates regarding a successor to the RD2000, but we will certainly keep you posted if we do. Thanks so much and all the best! :)
Can These hybrid actions be repaired like any other Accustic Actions ?
This is not an acoustic piano action that may be in hybrid pianos. This is just a PHA50 action with a longer pivot length. Roland likes to call it a “hybrid action”.
To answer the repair part of your question, I dropped a heavy hymnal on some keys of an old Roland that I had. It was easy to order new keys and have them installed. Because they are not an acoustic key, a new one is put in, and you're back in busy. It doesn't take a tech another hour to regulate it. I actually had a techy friend do it so I didn't have to take it to a dealership.
Hi there! The action featured in the LX9 is still a traditional "digital" action opposed to a "hybrid" action. So, from that perspective, it could still be repaired by a digital piano tech like a regular digital action. :)
Is action better than nv5s? What do you think?
It really comes down to a matter of personal preference. The NV5S plays like an upright piano, whereas the LX9's action is modelled after a grand action. So, to that point, it will come down to whether your preference is for the touch of an upright or a grand.
The keys not sounding at 1:13 - 1:14 is the same experience I have had with previous models from both Roland and Yamaha. The fact that tbe reviewer does not meantion these issues is the truth about these reviews. It is an ad not a review.
I do notice some of the keys not sounding at that spot, but I'm not sure as to the reason for that. It could have something to do with the audio capture or the touch sensitivity being set too heavy, which prevents the keys from sounding if played at a very soft dynamic level. I am not entirely sure to be honest. In any case, this is not a paid/sponsored video or ad - I can assure you of that.
I may be wrong as I'm only seeing this on my phone but it looked to me as if Stu changed his mind & didn't actually follow through with pressing those notes down.
@@The-Organised-Pianist Watched in slow motion. He definitely pressed those keys.
@@biggestsign Thanks for your observation - I think he pressed them, but to me it appeared insufficiently to activate a normal piano key. He didn't appear to follow through, for whatever reason. A light brush is borderline to move the mass of a key enough to set things off. We'll all just have to interpret this as best we can.
Personaly I'd still prefer a really nice acoustic grand piano over this, although it's nice to know that there are nice digital pianos out there. I'm not the editing type. Still would like to try one of these🎹🎶🎹🎶
That is certainly fair! Even the very best digital pianos are emulations of acoustic pianos of course. There is a special magic to a real wood soundboard and real strings resonating. :)
Can I just ask why someone would go for an upright digital piano? Surely, the choice is an analogue upright piano or a digital piano similar to the FP90X?
The form factor and aesthetic is a very important concern for some shoppers. To that point, console models like the LX pianos may be the preference over portable models like the FP90X. It is also important to note that the higher-end console pianos like the LX9 often have features that are not available in the portable models. This is the case with the LX9. It has a superior action to the FP90X's PHA50. There is currently no portable model from the Roland line that utilizes the same action as the LX9.
I live in a apartment building and I like to play when everyone is sleeping so digital is no brainer for me. Acoustic would be good for the apocalypse or cyber attack on the grid mind.
Q for stu. Which is your personal preference this model or your hybrid kawai upright?
Hi! Brent here! I certainly can't speak on behalf of Stu, but I have sent a suggestion to our production team to tackle a comparison between the Kawai NV5S and Roland LX9 for you. :)
@@MerriamPianos Wow. it will be great! Thank You:-) The problem that Stu doesn't offer his Own Preference i Cann understand Why. anyway, i will look forward to this video. thanks again Brent.
Stu how does it compare to your kawai Novus NV5 please?
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for the question! We have received a number of requests for a comparison between these two models. I have passed on the suggestion to our production team. I imagine they will tackle that comparison soon enough. ;)
@@MerriamPianos Thanks Brent!!
1:29 the LX708 already had (has) haptic key vibration feedback through the keys… how is this different in the LX-9? Also one man’s haptic key vibration feedback is another man’s annoying buzzing noise - so I prefer the identical key action in the LX-6 without that unnecessary distraction! As you point out: the only reason to go with the LX-9 is if you want to fill an entire home with sound - if you only need to fill one room then the LX-6 is perfectly suitable.
Also, I note that here in Australia Roland have significantly increased the prices of the LX-6 and LX-9 (a 30 percent increase) compared to the LX706 and LX708. Whereas in the UK the prices are now 10% cheaper than in Australia. Have Roland jacked up the prices for these new models in other regions as well? This move will certainly increase Kawai CA901 and Yamaha CLP-885 sales here in Australia!
I believe Stu is suggesting that the LX9 offers control over the amount of vibration you feel on the keys. And I can certainly understand some players not favouring the haptic key vibration feature. To your point about the speaker systems, the LX9 is quite the powerhouse that is capable of filling massive rooms. The LX6 is definitely an instrument more aligned for a smaller space or room. In any case, you can't go wrong as they're both great instruments with elite playing experiences. :)
@@MerriamPianosStu states ‘but on the LX-9 this is now equipped with haptic key vibration’ - as in it’s a brand-new feature. Are you saying Roland have added the ability to disable it? If so: that’s fixing a defect - not adding a new feature!
Stu forgot to point out the second main upgrade (after the sound modeling + speaker system): USB Audio 😊
Seria bueno una comparacion lx9 y gp6
Creo que son muy parecidos
The LX9 parallels the GP9 and the LX6 parallels the GP6. They are essentially just different cabinet designs (i.e. upright versus grand).
@@MerriamPianos en número si pero en precio no . El gp9 vale casi el doble que el lx 9 sin embargo el gp6 vale parecido .
Con lo cual el gp9 debería de ser muy superior. Si el lx9 se parece al gp9 está claro que hay que comprar el lx9.
Should somebody who has an LX-708 upgrade to an LX-9? Is there enough of a difference?
The LX9 does have an improved sensor system and core piano sound, but the LX708 still holds up as an excellent piano in my opinion. :)
Subject: Inquiry about Roland LX9 and GP-9 technology
Dear Merriam Music,
I hope this email finds you well.
I am writing to inquire about the technological differences between the Roland LX9 and GP-9 digital pianos. I am particularly interested in understanding the similarities and distinctions in their sound generators and grand piano-style keyboards.
Firstly, could you please confirm if both the LX9 and GP-9 utilize the same sound generator technology? If not, could you elaborate on the specific differences between the two?
Secondly, I would appreciate it if you could clarify whether the LX9 represents a more recent advancement in technology compared to the GP-9. If so, could you provide any insights into the key technological upgrades that differentiate the two models?
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your prompt response.
Sincerely,
Tim
Hi Tim! Brent from Merriam Music here! The LX9 and GP9 are parallel instruments in virtually every regard except the cabinet design and speaker system. Both pianos have an 8-speaker array, but the placement and ratings of the speakers are different. The LX9 has a 162 W system versus the GP9's 150 W system. Beyond that, the core action (including the advanced sensor system) and tone engine are the same. Thanks so much and I hope this helps! :)
Thank you so much Brent 🙋
I will be waiting to hear this new LX vs the beloved NV5S
Thanks so much for the suggestion! A few people have made the request, so I have passed it along to our production team. :)
At this price point I would rather consider Kawai NV5S or even better K300 ATX4. You get actual acoustic action.
Right. Even the Yamaha NU1Xa/N1X. They aren't as gimickie, but the playing experience is superior in my hot opinion
That is certainly fair. It really comes down to a matter of preference in regard to touch, tone, and features. They are all exceptional pianos at the end of the day in my opinion. :)
Requiring regulation...
This is amazing! Please do a review of the new Dexibell VIVO digital pianos unveilved in this years NAMM in February.
They look absolutely stellar & I'm intrigued to know what will be your thoughts on it when you play it.
Thank you kindly! And thanks for the suggestion! We are not Dexibell dealers and they are not particular common in the Canadian market, so it may be tough to tackle the company's models. We will do our best though!
Is there a grand piano looking model for this piano?
Yup - the Roland GP9 is essentially the grand piano version of this piano. :)
6:06 LOL, ever heard the phrase "fingerprint magnet", Roland? I wonder if they could have used a different, less shiny material that wouldn't catch and show so much dirt. Maybe in the next iteration... for now, a complementary microfiber cloth will suffice.
Finger prints are inevitable with this kind of shiny surface of course, but that is the case with 90% of the acoustic pianos of course given that the ebony polish finish is the standard in the industry right now.
@@MerriamPianos I don't think that's ebony polish on the touch sensitive surface (covering the buttons and the display)...
P.S. The rest of the piano is also not in ebony polish finish - this is the charcoal black variant.
In my smartphone the sound of this cosmic-machine similar as Casio px-s1100....
I think the small, underpowered speakers of your smartphone might not be doing the LX9's tone engine justice. ;)
beautiful sound but the wood is'nt very nice, and it would be better if it would be possible to download other solnds in the future...
It has a wonderful sound and touch! As far as digital pianos go, I think it has a wonderful aesthetic, but it isn't quite to the same level as most acoustic pianos of course. With that said, if you are looking for a more premium finish, it comes in a polished ebony and polished white finish.
With all due respect, this has to be one of the most rushed through reviews ever done on this channel. Hopefully the LX-6 and potential comparisons (not necessarily between the new LX models but more broadly) will get more attention. Thank you for your time.
We're sorry to hear that you felt the LX9 review was rushed. We are always experimenting with different formats or approaches to our review/comparison videos, so we appreciate the feedback. As you can imagine though, there are lot of situations where we get opposite critiques. Sometimes, we receive feedback that are videos are too long and overly-thorough. It is tough to find that sweet spot and balance, but our production team is always working hard to make sure the videos are as great as they can possibly be. :)
I think the fingerprints on that screen would drive me crazy :)
I can understand that, but fingerprints are quite common on any polished finish piano as well of course.
@@MerriamPianos Yes, but those aren't surfaces designed to be touched regularly, unlike the "buttons" here.
Bonjour
Je suis un lecteur assidu des critiques de Stu. Francophone de France par dessus tout, je suis étonné de ne jamais voir un commentaire en français, le Canada est bilingue non? et Stu est lu dans le monde entier je suppose, c'était ma première remarque.
Ma remarque suivante concernant l'évolution des pianos numériques. Etant possesseur d'un LX708 deppuis 3 ans et j'en suis très satisfait. A écouter les démos de Stu sur LX708 puis sur LX9, je n'arrive pas à faire la différence d'un point de vue de musicalité entre les deux, c'est tellement subtile, peut-être n'aurais-je pas l'oreille pour celà? peut-être faudrait-il les essayer côte à côte en live pour faire la différence? En tout cas, quand Roland attend 5 ans pour sortir un remplaçant de LX708, le successeur LX9 devrait théoriquement être mieux, sur la LX9 c'est le moteur sonore selon Stu, l'action reste la même, mais c'est tellement insignifiant pour un pianiste lamda. Selon vous quelles seraient les prochaines améliorations pour que les nouveautés restent attractives?
Hi! Brent here! Thank you for your support! We really appreciate you tuning into Stu's reviews/comparisons. To answer your question about the LX708 versus the LX9, there are some meaningful improvements that are worth mentioning. For instance, the LX9's sensor system is far more sophisticated and faster. This faster rate allows for a truer rendering of a player's performance and nuances. Furthermore, there have been some updates to the primary piano sound as well as the speaker system, which, in combination, greatly enhances the overall sonic experience the instrument provides. Thanks again and hope this helps! :)
At this price point, what are the real benefits of this vs an actual acoustic that would make this a better option?
They are very different propositions. The LX9 offers the look and volume of an acoustic piano, but with all of the flexibility of a digital (i.e. headphone output, volume control, different instrument sounds, onboard recording, etc.). The LX9 is ideal for players that simply do not have the right environment to accommodate an acoustic piano.
@@MerriamPianos exactly what I was asking and those options do make the choice difficult. Would be nice to adjust volume, use headphones and be able to access rhodes tones for Beatles etc. Thanks!
The tone of digital pianos is affected greatly by the ambiance of the room. The previous model Roland was one of the best sounding and playing digital on the showroom floor. I'm looking for this type of sound in a much more portable and easier to transport unit.
I always felt the previous LX-700 to be too bright and diffuse with its factory settings, but since it was a showroom I did not change the settings much to try to reverse this. I think the new LX line is more balanced and direct in comparison, but again, very likely changing the settings one can balance them to taste too. Like Stu says, with modelling there are endless possibilities to tweak the sound to one's liking.
That is a very good point! The environment that an instrument is played in will colour the sound of course. That is also the case with acoustic pianos. :)
I tried this at a Roland showroom... the feeling is super weird: it is like playing an upright piano. The way it vibrates completely fools your brain.
I know what you mean! With that said, I think that is the goal of a great digital piano; to make you forget you're playing a "digital piano. The LX9 succeeds in that in my opinion.
I still find it to sound synthetic in the mid section and thin in the upper base. I use the VSL steinway vst and it sounds miles better then this.
Tone is a very subjective matter of course. At the end of the day, the most important thing is to find a sound that you connect with, which it sounds like you have!
I am so glad PHA50 can last almost like an acoustic piano
Roland certainly has durable actions - that is for sure! :)
Its great, but i guess for 10k i would buy an acoustic piano. I love my Roland rp701 but would rather pair with a decent acoustic then spend 7x on another digital
That is certainly fair! Pianos like the LX9 are geared towards customers that need to be playing a digital for various reasons, but want to bridge the gap to an acoustic piano experience as closely as possible.
Makes total sense. If you need midi or want unmic’d amplification with excellent action this is what you need.
I wonder why manufacturers think we don’t want to feel the buttons we touch…
Every piano player/shopper is different. While I can understand where you are coming from, there are a lot of customers that complain about how lots of buttons and knobs compromises the aesthetics and prevents the piano having the look of an acoustic piano. It all comes down to subjectivity and preferences of course!
Stu said Stew..😂
Or may be he was just talking in the third person haha! ;)
@@MerriamPianos 🤣 whatever he means, I really enjoy his reviews 🤗😍
From the first sounds it is clear that it’s nowhere near Nord samples. I have a F90X and the plasticy sound drives me crazy.
Plus, i am dead sure the action is also worse that Kawai’s top actions.
Roland is always trying to chase Kawai and Yamaha haha
It is a matter of subjectivity at the end of the day. Every player will have their own personal preferences and tastes when it comes to touch and tone.
Just thinking about this philosophically as a nerd who admittedly, is not worthy of most (if any) of the pianos featured on these videos. No matter how good I get, I will never be able to exploit the quality of a Steinway or other "best of the best" acoustic pianos. But I love listening to those who can and do. I could never justify spending that kind of money for any reason other than to own a status symbol. But I can certainly afford a Roland LX-9. I am not worthy of this Roland LX-9 just as spending $10,000 for the best golf clubs wouldn't make me a better golfer. Could the technology have now evolved to be changing the definition of what is the "best" piano? How many excellent pianists are out there who do have the talent and ability but could never justify the expense of owning a Steinway but now can now own an electronic piano that may be as good? What if the "best of the best" are no longer the acoustic pianos?
Over the centuries, acoustic pianos evolved to become works of engineering and craftsmanship. They just kept sounding better and and challenging the best pianists to get better within the physical limitations of wood, steel and other materials to make them. Could it be that electronic pianos are now better because of new capabilities presented by technological progress? Those new sounds are worthy of the talent they are attracting. The best electronic pianos sure seem to me to be extraordinarily great bargains. Price-wise, they are opening up a new upscale market for the best talent to consider.
I have a hard time concluding that acoustic pianos have become obsolete but what would the very best pianists think? If today's electronic pianos can do everything the grand pianos can do and more, are they just becoming a relic of the past? Museum pieces? I hope not but I can't explain why. I am not in the market talent-wise nor money-wise.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thank you for taking the time to write in! It all comes down to a matter of subjectivity of course. The "best" piano is ultimately a personal choice. That instrument will be different for every player depending on what they gravitate towards musically. With that said, I agree that digital pianos are becoming quite impressive and starting to close the gap between digital and acoustic pianos. It should also be noted that digital pianos (particularly high end ones like the LX models from Roland) are far more flexible in terms of sounds and features than acoustic pianos. At the end of the day, I think both have their place for different uses and contexts. :)
@@MerriamPianos Thank you for your reply. I agree with your response but it doesn't really get at the meat of my philosophical question but it certainly a big part of it. Let me ask it in a different way. If the electronic pianos can do everything the acoustic pianos can do and more at a much lower cost, are the Steinways worth the cost? I am not casting any negativity at the premiere piano makers. It takes a lot of different skills and people who have mastered those skills to produce those great pianos and I am certain there are people who will continue to buy them for the human aspect of it alone. They are marvels and I sure don't want to see them disappear..But it's like the debate between digital music vs vinyl. if the CDs produce the same end product of the same or better quality with the advantages of lower cost and durability, couldn't this happen with acoustic pianos? (Yes, I know vinyl records have been making a major comeback and I own a lot of them). I took violin lessons as a boy and I can still remember opening the violin case for the first time and smelling the rosin, wood and the rest. And that was a cheap violin. There was magic in there somewhere that stayed with me and I imagine it's the same with great pianos. The smell of electronics doesn't produce the same effect.
I’d like to chime in here. Digital pianos have come a long way and are certainly providing a viable option for pianists who need an instrument that is more versatile and affordable than a real piano-with less of a feeling of sacrifice as each new advancement happens with digital piano technology. That being said, an acoustic piano is an entirely different experience. The instrument is a sort of ‘living’ entity that vibrates synchronously with its player creating a sort of union between the two. I’m not saying that a pianist playing a fine digital instrument can’t find themself in a state of ‘flow’ or can’t create truly inspired music. But there is still a very wide margin between playing a real acoustic piano and a digital (which STILL at best serves to emulate the ‘real thing’)
When I close my eyes and play a fine acoustic piano, there is a feeling of physical connection that can happen with the instrument that I have still never experienced with a digital piano. When the finger strikes the keys the ACTUAL energy exerted by the player is literally transferred through the key stick to the hammer and then ultimately the vibrating string which creates a pure and truly acoustic sound that is shaped and amplified by the soundboard and the entire piano. To compare a digital piano to an acoustic is, IMO, akin to comparing watching a movie (let’s say a POV film of a roller coaster experience for instance) in full IMAX with Dolby Atmos and a chair that moves and vibrates. It’s exhilarating and you may get a bit dizzy and nauseous, but it still is NOT the same as riding a roller coaster and feeling the wind in your face and feeling the real gravity and g-force of the experience. At best, the best digitals today are really good virtual reality experiences (when using them to emulate a PIANO) but still not the real thing.
That being said, you don’t have to tune a digital every 4-6 months, you don’t have to pay $500+ for professional moving, and you can use headphones for privacy-and to some players those conveniences trump the benefits of the real thing. Hope this adds a valuable perspective.
@@adreanfarrugia7414 Excellent answer! Thank you. There are too many nuances that can never be artificially replicated. Even when you compare the very best pianos, there are too many nuances that make one "better" to ever capture the magic. Just the natural variations in the wood used. It's like listening to computer-generated music, listen long enough and the shallowness becomes unbearable. I'll have to make due with my Yamaha P-255. It's a very good piano and I don't deserve better.
You seem to have a real appreciation of what makes a fine instrument. Can I make a suggestion? Perhaps stop telling yourself you ‘don’t deserve’ a great instrument (because in your mind you think you’re playing is not up to the level of the instrument). If you can appreciate what makes a great instrument then you deserve it as much as anyone else. Also, having a great instrument is a strong motivator to get better. When you know that an instrument has a lot of depth, you’ll be eager to explore it. I played on cheap pianos for years (mainly because of finances), but when I finally managed to get myself a truly fine piano, the instrument demanded more of me and I improved in some dramatic ways that I credit to the desire to explore sound via a much deeper set of capabilities in the instrument.
Get yourself the best piano you can afford. If you can appreciate it then you deserve it.
I wouldn’t be that shocked that in this format, Roland would only have piano sounds (versions) and would ditch other sounds like the EP, organs, strings etc, etc.. because at the end of the day, you ARE sitting at a piano. It kinda would be a bit laughable hearing an organ coming out of this instrument.
I can certainly understand the sentiment! But, with that said, Roland offers incredible non-piano sounds as well that sound amazing through the LX9's elaborate speaker system. :)
I dont care for Roland key actions.
That is fair. Every player will have different preferences when it comes to touch and tone.
Yamaha CP2 better. Most small and moveable.
Do you mean the Yamaha CP4 stage piano? Portable digital pianos can be excellent choices depending on the context of use, but an offering like the LX9 is a very different intention. With that said, there are some aspects of console digital pianos like this that are usually superior to that of a portable digital, such as the speaker systems. Larger cabinets like this can house more and larger diameter speakers, which can lead to more power/headroom and a richer tonal experience.