Compare the Best Digital Pianos of 2025: Roland vs Yamaha vs Kawai

Finding the perfect piano is about more than just price and brand. It’s about how the instrument responds to your hands, how it sounds in your home, and how closely it captures the feeling of playing an acoustic piano in a digital format. We’ve curated this 2025 comparison to help pianists of all levels make informed choices — from beginners to seasoned performers.

Understanding the Sound: Modeling vs Sampling

What is Sampling?

Sampling is the process of recording each individual note of a high-end acoustic piano (often more than one for each dynamic level), and triggering those recordings when you press a key. For example, when you hit middle C on a Yamaha grand, you're hearing a professional recording of a Yamaha CFX or Bösendorfer Imperial grand. These samples are rich, detailed, and consistent — perfect for players who want the genuine voice of a world-class instrument.

Pros:

• Authentic tonal coloration

• Depth of sound

• Immediate realism

  
  

Cons:

• Less responsive to nuanced playing

• Repetition can feel mechanical over time

  
  

What is Modeling?

Modeling is the recreation of sound through algorithms and simulations of how a piano behaves. Instead of playing back a recording, the piano uses complex mathematics to generate the tone in real time, based on your touch, speed, pedal use, and more.

Roland has pioneered this space, with their PureAcoustic Modeling and SuperNATURAL engines producing deeply expressive, dynamic tones that evolve with your playing.

Pros:

• Infinite variations in tone

• More responsive and expressive

• Real-time interaction with the player

  
  

Cons:

• May lack the rich tone coloration of pure samples

• Can sounds "digital" to some ears

  
  

The Hybrid Approach

Many flagship models now blend both: samples provide color and timbre, while modeling adds realism and depth. This hybrid system gives you the best of both worlds, a piano that sounds alive and feels incredibly realistic.

Premium Home Models ($6,400–$7,700)

These top-tier instruments are built to deliver a playing experience that closely mirrors acoustic grand pianos, from string resonance to cabinet projection. If you're a serious player or someone seeking lifelong musical joy, these are worth your attention.

Roland LX9

The Roland LX9 is a masterclass in expressive sound. With PureAcoustic Modeling, the sound is generated in real time and responds beautifully to every nuance. The 8-speaker cabinet is engineered to mimic the spatial projection of a grand piano. The hybrid wood action feels authentic and responsive.

Yamaha CLP-885

This model blends Yamaha’s proprietary CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial samples with Grand Expression Modeling and Virtual Resonance Modeling (VRM). It delivers not just great sound, but the entire feel of an acoustic piano. The GrandTouch action replicates longer keys for better leverage and realism.

Kawai CA901

The Kawai CA901 features the Grand Feel III wooden key action, let-off simulation, triple sensors, and a powerful speaker system that creates warm, resonant tones. While it doesn’t use full modeling, Kawai’s physical realism and detailed sampling offer an impressively acoustic-like experience.

Upper Midrange Models ($3,500–$5,000)

These models are excellent for advanced players, teachers, and serious hobbyists. They balance acoustic fidelity, affordability, and durable design.

Roland HP704

Using SuperNATURAL Modeling, the HP704 delivers expressive sound and variability with each keystroke. It features a four-speaker cabinet and durable hybrid wood key action, offering a responsive, nuanced feel.

Yamaha CLP-845

A more compact version of the CLP-885, the CLP-845 features GrandTouch-S key action, immersive VRM technology, and CFX/Bösendorfer samples. It’s ideal for traditional homes or smaller spaces.

Kawai CA701

The CA701 features the same Grand Feel III action and advanced speaker system as the CA901 but in a more compact design. It retains the warmth and depth Kawai is known for, making it a great pick for players who want realism without the flagship price.

Quick Comparison Summary

Category	Model	Why It Stands Out
Most Expressive	Roland LX9	Real-time modeling and dynamic depth
Best Sample Realism	Yamaha CLP-885	Legendary CFX & Bösendorfer samples
Best Action + Tone	Kawai CA901	Grand Feel III action, organic warmth
Midrange Value	Kawai CA701	High-end features at a lower cost
Best Modeling Value	Roland HP704	Expressive sound and upright resonance

Professional Delivery & Setup on Oʻahu

Pianos are delicate instruments. At Piano Planet, we offer professional delivery and white-glove setup across Oʻahu. From door to studio, we make sure your instrument arrives in perfect condition and is ready to play.

Visit Our Honolulu Showroom

Still not sure which model fits your style or home? Visit us in person. At our Honolulu showroom, you can try out multiple models, compare touch and tone, and get expert guidance from real pianists, not just spec sheets.

Whether you're seeking the perfect instrument for your practice room, your living space, or your next performance, we’ll help you find it.

The Right Piano Is Personal

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to pianos. The right instrument depends on your style, your space, and your goals. Whether it’s the responsiveness of real-time modeling or the warmth of deeply sampled tones, your next piano should inspire you every time you play.

Stop by Piano Planet or give us a call. We’re here to help you find the sound that feels like home.

Piano Planet

560 N Nimitz Hwy, Suite 114A – Honolulu, HI 96817

(808) 537-3373