The Yamaha YDP-165 digital piano is a highly regarded instrument in the world of digital pianos, promising an authentic piano-playing experience through its sophisticated design and advanced technology. As someone who has been playing and evaluating digital pianos for over a decade, I was particularly excited to dive into the features, performance, and overall value of the YDP-165. In this comprehensive review, I will cover everything from the technical specifications and build quality to the sound and user experience, aiming to provide a thorough analysis for potential buyers.
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Overview and Key Features
The Yamaha YDP-165 is part of Yamaha’s Arius series, which is known for its combination of quality, affordability, and realistic piano experience. Here are some of the key features that stand out:
- Graded Hammer 3 (GH3) Keyboard: This feature mimics the feel of an acoustic piano, providing a heavier touch in the low end and a lighter touch in the high end.
- CFX Premium Grand Piano Voice: Sampled from Yamaha’s flagship CFX concert grand piano, this voice offers rich and detailed sound.
- Virtual Resonance Modeling (VRM): Enhances the realism by simulating the complex interactions and overtones produced by the strings and body of an acoustic piano.
- 192-Note Polyphony: Ensures that even the most complex pieces are played without any dropped notes.
- Intelligent Acoustic Control (IAC): Automatically adjusts the sound to ensure clarity at any volume level.
- Stereophonic Optimizer: Improves the headphone experience by creating the sensation of sound coming from the piano itself rather than the headphones.
Yamaha YDP-165 Digital Piano Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Keyboard | Graded Hammer 3 (GH3) Action |
| Key Tops | Synthetic Ivory |
| Touch Sensitivity | Hard/Medium/Soft/Fixed |
| Sound | CFX Premium Grand Piano Voice |
| Sound Technology | Virtual Resonance Modeling (VRM) |
| Polyphony | 192 Notes |
| Voices | 10 Voices |
| Effects | Reverb (4 types), Intelligent Acoustic Control (IAC), Stereophonic Optimizer |
| Pedals | 3 Pedals (Damper with Half-Pedal Support, Sostenuto, Soft) |
| Recording | 2-Track Recording |
| Playback | Standard MIDI (SMF) Format |
| Demo Songs | 10 Voice Demo Songs, 50 Classics |
| Amplifiers | 20W x 2 |
| Speakers | (12 cm x 2) + (4 cm x 2) |
| Connectivity | USB to Host |
| Headphone Jacks | 2 Standard Stereo Phone Jacks |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 1357 x 422 x 849 mm (53-7/16″ x 16-5/8″ x 33-7/16″) |
| Weight | 42.0 kg (92 lbs 10 oz) |
| Finish Options | Rosewood, Black Walnut, White |
| Included Accessories | Owner’s Manual, Quick Operation Guide, “50 Greats for the Piano” Music Book |
Build Quality and Design
Elegant and Functional Design
The Yamaha YDP-165 digital piano is a fine example of Yamaha’s commitment to merging aesthetic appeal with functional design. The instrument boasts a classic, elegant appearance that complements any interior decor, making it an attractive addition to homes, studios, or educational settings. Available in a choice of finishes, including rosewood and black walnut, the YDP-165 offers options to suit various personal styles and preferences.
The cabinet design of the YDP-165 is sleek and sophisticated, reflecting the traditional look of an acoustic piano while incorporating modern elements. Its smooth lines and refined details, such as the polished key cover and the subtle curves of the legs, enhance its visual appeal. The digital piano’s compact design ensures it fits comfortably in smaller spaces without compromising on the aesthetic or functional aspects.
High-Quality Materials and Construction
Yamaha has utilized high-quality materials in constructing the YDP-165, ensuring durability and longevity. The solid construction is evident in every component, from the sturdy cabinet to the responsive keys. The piano is built to withstand regular use, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced players who require a reliable instrument.
The keys of the YDP-165 are crafted from synthetic ivory and ebony, providing a tactile experience that mimics the feel of an acoustic piano. This material not only enhances the playing experience but also ensures the keys remain in excellent condition over time, resisting wear and tear. The Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action of the keyboard provides a realistic touch response, with heavier touch in the lower register and lighter touch in the upper register, further adding to the authenticity of the playing experience.
Attention to Detail
One of the standout features of the Yamaha YDP-165 is the meticulous attention to detail in its design. The control panel is intuitively placed, allowing easy access to essential functions without distracting from the playing experience. The buttons and knobs are discreetly integrated into the design, maintaining the piano’s elegant appearance while ensuring functionality is not compromised.
The three-pedal unit, which includes soft, sostenuto, and damper pedals, is designed to replicate the functionality of an acoustic piano, providing expressive control over the sound. The pedals are constructed with robust materials to ensure they remain responsive and durable over time.
Keyboard and Touch Sensitivity
One of the most critical aspects of any digital piano is the keyboard feel. The YDP-165’s Graded Hammer 3 (GH3) keyboard is a standout feature, providing a realistic touch that is remarkably similar to an acoustic piano. The keys are weighted appropriately across the board, with the lower keys feeling heavier and the higher keys lighter. This gradation helps in developing proper finger strength and technique, which is essential for beginners and beneficial for more advanced players.
The touch sensitivity is adjustable, offering four settings (soft, medium, hard, and fixed) to suit different playing styles and preferences. Whether you prefer a lighter touch for delicate passages or a heavier touch for powerful chords, the YDP-165 accommodates these preferences with ease.
Sound Quality
The Yamaha YDP-165 excels in sound quality, thanks to the CFX Premium Grand Piano Voice and the Virtual Resonance Modeling (VRM) technology. The CFX voice captures the rich, resonant tones of Yamaha’s flagship concert grand piano, delivering an impressive level of detail and nuance. Whether you’re playing soft, introspective pieces or powerful, dynamic compositions, the sound remains authentic and engaging.
The VRM technology enhances the realism by replicating the complex interactions between strings and the piano body, adding depth and resonance that are often missing in other digital pianos. This modeling is particularly noticeable when playing with the damper pedal, as it faithfully reproduces the sympathetic vibrations and overtones of an acoustic piano.
Additionally, the YDP-165’s 192-note polyphony ensures that even the most intricate pieces can be played without any notes being cut off. This feature is crucial for advanced pianists who often play compositions that require extensive use of the sustain pedal and complex layering of notes.
Additional Voices and Features
While the primary focus of the YDP-165 is on delivering an authentic piano experience, it also includes several other voices and features that add versatility. In addition to the CFX Grand Piano, there are various electric piano sounds, organs, strings, and more. These additional voices can be useful for exploring different genres of music or adding variety to your practice sessions.
The dual mode allows you to layer two different voices, such as piano and strings, to create rich, textured sounds. The split mode lets you assign different voices to the left and right hands, which can be particularly useful for teaching or for pieces that require distinct bass and melody lines.
Pedals and Effects
The three-pedal unit of the YDP-165 includes soft, sostenuto, and sustain pedals, mirroring the functionality of an acoustic piano. The sustain pedal supports half-pedaling, allowing for greater control over the sustain and enabling more expressive performances.
The YDP-165 also includes several built-in effects, such as reverb, chorus, and brilliance. These effects can be adjusted to suit your preferences and the acoustics of your playing environment. The reverb settings, for example, range from a small room to a large concert hall, allowing you to simulate different performance spaces.
Connectivity and Integration
The Yamaha YDP-165 digital piano stands out not only for its superb sound quality and design but also for its versatile connectivity capabilities. These features enhance the user experience by enabling seamless integration with various devices and software, thereby expanding the instrument’s functionality and usability.
USB to Host
One of the primary connectivity features of the Yamaha YDP-165 is the USB to Host port. This port allows the digital piano to connect directly to a computer or a mobile device, facilitating a wide range of musical applications. By connecting to a computer, users can utilize Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) for recording, editing, and producing music. This is particularly beneficial for composers and producers who require high-quality piano sounds for their projects.
The USB to Host connection also supports MIDI communication, making it possible to use the YDP-165 as a MIDI controller. This functionality is valuable for users who want to control virtual instruments and software synths, offering greater flexibility in music creation and performance.
Audio Interface Functionality
The YDP-165 can function as an audio interface, allowing direct audio recording to a connected device. This feature is invaluable for musicians who want to record high-quality audio without the need for additional equipment. By using the USB to Host connection, users can record their performances directly into recording software, ensuring pristine audio quality for their projects.
Bluetooth Connectivity
While the YDP-165 does not have built-in Bluetooth connectivity, it can still connect to Bluetooth-enabled devices using a compatible adapter. This allows users to wirelessly connect the piano to smartphones, tablets, and computers, opening up additional possibilities for interactive learning and performance. For instance, users can stream audio from a mobile device through the piano’s speakers, providing an immersive playing-along experience with backing tracks or instructional videos.
External Device Integration
The Yamaha YDP-165 features a headphone jack, which is essential for private practice sessions. By connecting headphones, users can practice silently without disturbing others, making it an ideal choice for home use. Additionally, the headphone jack can be used to connect external speakers or amplifiers, enhancing the piano’s sound output for larger performances.
The Aux In port is another useful connectivity option, allowing users to connect external audio devices such as MP3 players or smartphones. This feature enables playback of music through the piano’s built-in speakers, making it easy to play along with favorite tracks or use the piano as a high-quality audio system.
Pedal and Other Connections
The YDP-165 includes a standard three-pedal unit (soft, sostenuto, and damper), which connects directly to the piano. These pedals are essential for expressive playing and replicate the functionality of an acoustic piano’s pedals. The piano also has a sustain pedal jack, allowing for the connection of a standalone sustain pedal if preferred.
In conclusion, the Yamaha YDP-165 digital piano offers a comprehensive suite of connectivity options that significantly enhance its functionality and versatility. From the USB to Host connection and Smart Pianist app integration to audio interface capabilities and external device connectivity, the YDP-165 is equipped to meet the needs of modern musicians. These connectivity features make it an excellent choice for those looking to integrate technology into their practice, performance, and music production workflows.
Playback & Recording
The Yamaha YDP-165 digital piano offers a range of playback and recording features designed to enhance both practice and performance for musicians of all levels.
One of the standout playback features of the Yamaha YDP-165 is its integrated library of preset songs. It includes 10 demo songs and 50 classic piano pieces, allowing users to enjoy and learn from some of the best compositions. The playback of these songs can be controlled with ease, offering functionalities such as play, pause, rewind, and fast forward, making it simple to navigate through complex pieces.
Moreover, the YDP-165 features a built-in metronome, which is essential for developing a sense of timing and rhythm. Users can adjust the tempo to match their skill level or the requirements of a particular piece. Additionally, the piano includes dual headphone jacks, enabling two players to listen simultaneously, perfect for duet practice or teacher-student sessions.
The Yamaha YDP-165 excels in its recording capabilities, providing an intuitive way for pianists to capture their performances. It includes a two-track recorder, allowing users to record their playing and then add a second layer, such as a harmony or accompaniment. This feature is invaluable for composers and those looking to analyze their performances critically.
Recording on the YDP-165 is straightforward. With the touch of a button, users can start and stop recording, and the recorded pieces can be stored internally. The piano also supports USB connectivity, enabling musicians to transfer their recordings to a computer for further editing or sharing with others.
In summary, the Yamaha YDP-165 digital piano’s playback and recording features are designed to support both the learning and creative processes. Its user-friendly playback options and sophisticated recording capabilities make it a versatile instrument suitable for a wide range of musical applications.
Smart Pianist App
The Smart Pianist App is a powerful tool that significantly enhances the user experience of the Yamaha YDP-165 digital piano. This app, compatible with both iOS and Android devices, brings a range of interactive and intuitive features that enrich the practice and performance capabilities of the YDP-165.
Enhanced Control and Customization
One of the primary benefits of the Smart Pianist App is the enhanced control it offers over the YDP-165’s functions. Users can easily navigate the piano’s settings through the app’s intuitive interface, making adjustments to voice selection, metronome settings, and other parameters straightforward and visually guided. This level of control allows for more precise customization, ensuring that the instrument can be tailored to individual preferences and playing styles.
Sheet Music Display and Learning Tools
The Smart Pianist App also serves as an excellent educational resource. It can display digital sheet music, which is especially useful for learners who may not have access to a comprehensive library of printed scores. The app can even analyze the music stored on your device and create chord charts for you, simplifying the process of learning new songs. This feature helps users to understand the structure of their favorite pieces, making it easier to learn and play along.
Recording and Playback Capabilities
Recording and playback are made more accessible with the Smart Pianist App. Users can record their performances directly onto their smart device, allowing for easy storage, playback, and sharing. This feature is ideal for those who want to track their progress, critique their playing, or share their music with friends, family, or instructors. The app also facilitates playback of recorded pieces, providing an invaluable tool for self-assessment and improvement.
Integration with Other Features
The app’s integration with the YDP-165 extends to other advanced features such as the ability to split and layer voices. Users can split the keyboard into two different instruments or layer multiple sounds to create rich, complex tones, all controlled seamlessly through the app. This enhances the creative potential of the piano, making it suitable for a wide range of musical genres and styles.
In conclusion, the Smart Pianist App dramatically enhances the user experience of the Yamaha YDP-165 digital piano by providing intuitive control, educational resources, and advanced recording and playback capabilities. Whether you are a beginner looking to learn and practice more effectively or an advanced player seeking to expand your creative horizons, the Smart Pianist App offers tools that complement and elevate the functionality of the YDP-165.
User Experience
From the moment you sit down at the YDP-165, it’s clear that Yamaha has put a lot of thought into the user experience. The controls are straightforward and intuitive, making it easy to navigate through the different voices, effects, and settings. The LCD screen provides clear information and enhances the overall usability.
The Intelligent Acoustic Control (IAC) and Stereophonic Optimizer features significantly improve the listening experience, whether you’re playing through the built-in speakers or using headphones. The IAC ensures that the sound remains balanced and clear at any volume level, while the Stereophonic Optimizer creates a natural, immersive sound when using headphones.
Convenience
The Yamaha YDP-165 is designed for convenience and versatility, making it suitable for various settings, from home practice to studio recording. The headphone jack allows for silent practice, ensuring that users can play without disturbing others. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who live in shared spaces or practice late at night.
The piano’s compact design ensures it fits comfortably in smaller spaces while maintaining a full, rich sound. Its sturdy construction and high-quality materials ensure durability, making it a reliable instrument for long-term use.
Performance and Versatility
The YDP-165 performs exceptionally well across various musical genres and playing styles. The realistic touch and responsive keys make it suitable for classical, jazz, pop, and more. The additional voices and features add versatility, allowing you to experiment with different sounds and effects.
For educational purposes, the dual and split modes, along with the compatibility with educational apps, make the YDP-165 an excellent choice for students and teachers. The ability to connect to a computer or mobile device further expands its capabilities, making it a valuable tool for both practice and performance.
Accessories
The Yamaha YDP-165 digital piano comes with several essential accessories that ensure a comprehensive and enjoyable playing experience right out of the box. These include a power adapter, a music rest, and a three-pedal unit. The power adapter is crucial for powering the piano, while the music rest holds sheet music or tablets, making it easier to read music while playing. The three-pedal unit replicates the functionality of an acoustic piano’s pedals, including sustain, sostenuto, and soft pedal functions, adding to the instrument’s realism and expressiveness.
Recommended Additional Accessories
While the included accessories provide a solid foundation, several additional accessories can enhance the functionality and enjoyment of the Yamaha YDP-165.
- Piano Bench: A comfortable, adjustable piano bench is essential for maintaining proper posture and ensuring long, comfortable practice sessions. Yamaha offers a matching bench, but there are various other high-quality options available.
- Headphones: High-quality headphones are recommended for private practice. They allow players to focus on their performance without external distractions and without disturbing others. Yamaha’s HPH-150 or HPH-100 headphones are excellent choices, providing clear, balanced sound.
- Dust Cover: To protect the piano from dust and potential damage, a dust cover is a wise investment. It helps maintain the instrument’s appearance and longevity.
- External Speakers: For those seeking a more immersive sound experience, external speakers can significantly enhance the YDP-165’s audio output, making it suitable for larger rooms or performances.
- Mobile Device Stand: Since the Smart Pianist App can greatly enhance the YDP-165’s functionality, a stand for a smartphone or tablet can be very useful. This allows for easy access and visibility while using the app.
These additional accessories can elevate the playing experience, providing comfort, protection, and enhanced functionality for the Yamaha YDP-165 digital piano.
Value for Money
Given its features, build quality, and overall performance, the Yamaha YDP-165 offers excellent value for money. It sits comfortably in the mid-range price bracket, making it accessible to a wide range of buyers, from beginners to intermediate and advanced players. The combination of realistic touch, high-quality sound, and modern features makes it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile digital piano.
Is the Yamaha YDP-165 the best choice for you?
The Yamaha YDP-165 digital piano is a versatile and high-quality instrument that caters to a broad spectrum of users. Its design, features, and capabilities make it an ideal choice for several distinct groups, each benefiting from its specific attributes.
Beginners and Students
For beginners and students, the Yamaha YDP-165 offers an excellent entry point into the world of piano playing. Its Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keyboard action provides a touch response that mimics an acoustic piano, which is crucial for developing proper finger strength and technique. The weighted keys help new players build the muscle memory needed for expressive and dynamic playing.
Intermediate and Advanced Players
Intermediate and advanced players will appreciate the high-quality sound and realistic feel of the YDP-165. The Pure CF Sound Engine, which samples the Yamaha 9′ CFIIIS concert grand piano, delivers rich, expressive tones that respond dynamically to the player’s touch. This level of sound quality is essential for more experienced musicians who require nuanced expression and dynamic range in their performances.
Home Use
For individuals and families seeking a digital piano for home use, the Yamaha YDP-165 is an excellent choice. Its elegant design and compact form factor allow it to fit seamlessly into various home environments, from living rooms to smaller apartments. The piano’s aesthetic appeal, with finishes like rosewood and black walnut, ensures it complements any interior decor.
Educators and Institutions
Educators and institutions, such as music schools and universities, will find the Yamaha YDP-165 to be a reliable and effective tool for teaching. The piano’s realistic touch and sound quality provide students with a solid foundation for their studies, ensuring they develop proper technique and musicality.
Hobbyists and Casual Players
Hobbyists and casual players will enjoy the Yamaha YDP-165 for its user-friendly features and high-quality sound. Whether playing for relaxation or personal enjoyment, the YDP-165 offers an immersive and rewarding experience. The variety of voices, including electric pianos, organs, and strings, allows casual players to explore different sounds and styles, adding to the fun and versatility of the instrument.
Weaknesses
The Yamaha YDP-165 digital piano is well-regarded for its design, sound quality, and user-friendly features, but like any product, it has its weaknesses. Understanding these drawbacks can help potential buyers make a more informed decision.
Limited Portability
One of the significant weaknesses of the Yamaha YDP-165 is its lack of portability. The instrument is designed as a home piano with a fixed stand and three-pedal unit, making it relatively bulky and heavy. This design is ideal for a stationary setup in a living room or music studio, but it poses challenges for users who need a more portable solution. Musicians who frequently perform in different locations or who need to move the piano around the house may find the YDP-165 cumbersome.
No Built-in Bluetooth
Another notable weakness is the absence of built-in Bluetooth connectivity. While the YDP-165 offers various connectivity options, such as USB to Host and compatibility with Yamaha’s Smart Pianist app, the lack of Bluetooth can be a limitation for users who prefer wireless connections. This omission means that users need to rely on wired connections or purchase a separate Bluetooth adapter to connect the piano to their devices. This additional step can be inconvenient, especially for those accustomed to the seamless integration of Bluetooth-enabled devices.
Basic Sound Library
While the Yamaha YDP-165 features the Pure CF Sound Engine, which provides a high-quality grand piano sound, its overall sound library is somewhat limited compared to other digital pianos in its price range. The YDP-165 offers a selection of voices, including electric pianos, organs, and strings, but it lacks the extensive variety found in more advanced models. This limitation can be a drawback for musicians who want to explore a wider range of sounds and styles without relying on external sound modules or software instruments.
Limited Recording and Playback Features
The YDP-165 includes a basic two-track recorder, which allows users to record and playback their performances. While this feature is useful for practice and self-assessment, it is relatively limited compared to the multi-track recording capabilities found in higher-end digital pianos. Musicians who want to create complex compositions or layer multiple tracks will find the recording features of the YDP-165 insufficient. Additionally, the absence of advanced editing features within the piano itself means users must rely on external software for detailed work.
No Line Out for Direct Connection to External Audio Equipment
The Yamaha YDP-165 lacks a dedicated line out or audio output jacks, which can be a significant drawback for musicians who want to connect the piano directly to external amplifiers, PA systems, or recording equipment. While the headphone jack can be used for this purpose, it is not as convenient or reliable as having dedicated audio outputs. This limitation can be particularly problematic for live performances or studio recordings where high-quality audio output is essential.
Pedal Responsiveness
Some users have reported issues with the responsiveness of the pedals on the YDP-165, particularly the sustain pedal. In some cases, the pedal response may feel less natural compared to that of an acoustic piano or higher-end digital models. This can impact the expressiveness and subtlety of a performance, particularly for advanced players who rely heavily on pedal techniques.
Aesthetics and Finish Options
While the YDP-165 is available in attractive finishes like rosewood and black walnut, the range of finish options is relatively limited. Some users might prefer a broader selection of colors and finishes to match their home decor or personal style. Additionally, the synthetic materials used for the keytops, although functional, may not appeal to those who prefer the look and feel of natural materials.
As you can see, while the Yamaha YDP-165 digital piano offers many strengths, it also has several weaknesses that potential buyers should consider. Its lack of portability, absence of built-in Bluetooth, limited sound library, basic recording features, lack of dedicated audio outputs, occasional pedal responsiveness issues, and limited aesthetic options can be drawbacks depending on your needs and preferences. By weighing these factors, you can determine if the YDP-165 meets your specific requirements or if you should explore other options within Yamaha’s range or from other manufacturers.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Realistic keyboard feel with Graded Hammer 3 (GH3) action.
- High-quality sound with CFX Premium Grand Piano Voice and VRM.
- 192-note polyphony for complex pieces.
- Versatile connectivity options, including USB to Host.
- Intuitive controls and user-friendly design.
- Excellent value for money.
Cons:
- Limited number of built-in voices compared to some competitors.
- Lacks the portability of more compact digital pianos.
- The LCD screen, while useful, could be larger for better visibility.
Conclusion
The Yamaha YDP-165 is a standout digital piano that successfully bridges the gap between affordability and high-quality performance. Its realistic keyboard feel, superior sound quality, and modern features make it an excellent choice for a wide range of players. Whether you’re a beginner looking to invest in your first digital piano or an experienced pianist seeking a reliable practice instrument, the YDP-165 is well worth considering. Its blend of tradition and innovation ensures that it will provide years of enjoyable and productive playing.
Comparison with Similarly Priced Alternatives
Yamaha YDP-165 vs. Roland RP102
Keyboard Feel and Action:
- Yamaha YDP-165: Features the Graded Hammer 3 (GH3) keyboard, offering a realistic feel with graded weighting across the keys.
- Roland RP102: Utilizes the PHA-4 Standard keyboard with Escapement, which also provides an authentic feel but includes Roland’s Ivory Feel for enhanced texture.
Sound Quality:
- Yamaha YDP-165: Equipped with the CFX Premium Grand Piano Voice and Virtual Resonance Modeling (VRM) for rich, detailed sound.
- Roland RP102: Features SuperNATURAL Piano technology, delivering a dynamic and expressive sound.
Polyphony:
- Yamaha YDP-165: 192-note polyphony ensures smooth performance even in complex pieces.
- Roland RP102: 128-note polyphony, which is sufficient for most compositions but slightly less than the YDP-165.
Connectivity:
- Yamaha YDP-165: USB to Host and compatibility with Yamaha’s Smart Pianist app.
- Roland RP102: Bluetooth MIDI connectivity for wireless connection to apps and devices.
Pedals:
- Yamaha YDP-165: Includes soft, sostenuto, and sustain pedals with half-pedaling support.
- Roland RP102: Comes with three pedals but does not explicitly mention half-pedaling capability.
Yamaha YDP-165 vs. Casio PX-870
Keyboard Feel and Action:
- Yamaha YDP-165: Graded Hammer 3 (GH3) keyboard for a responsive and authentic touch.
- Casio PX-870: Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II, which offers a similar graded feel and enhanced key detection.
Sound Quality:
- Yamaha YDP-165: Features the CFX Premium Grand Piano Voice with Virtual Resonance Modeling (VRM).
- Casio PX-870: Includes the AiR Sound Source with detailed piano sampling and advanced resonance effects.
Polyphony:
- Yamaha YDP-165: 192-note polyphony.
- Casio PX-870: 256-note polyphony, providing even more capacity for complex compositions.
Connectivity:
- Yamaha YDP-165: USB to Host and Smart Pianist app compatibility.
- Casio PX-870: USB to Host and USB to Device for more versatile connectivity options.
Speaker System:
- Yamaha YDP-165: Decent built-in speaker system with Intelligent Acoustic Control (IAC).
- Casio PX-870: Enhanced four-speaker system with Sound Projection, offering a more immersive sound experience.
Yamaha YDP-165 vs. Kawai KDP120
Keyboard Feel and Action:
- Yamaha YDP-165: Graded Hammer 3 (GH3) keyboard with synthetic ivory key tops.
- Kawai KDP120: Responsive Hammer Compact II (RHCII) action with a slightly different touch feel, aimed at mimicking acoustic piano action.
Sound Quality:
- Yamaha YDP-165: CFX Premium Grand Piano Voice and Virtual Resonance Modeling (VRM).
- Kawai KDP120: Harmonic Imaging (HI) sound technology, which also offers a rich and detailed piano sound.
Polyphony:
- Yamaha YDP-165: 192-note polyphony.
- Kawai KDP120: 192-note polyphony, matching the YDP-165.
Connectivity:
- Yamaha YDP-165: USB to Host and Smart Pianist app compatibility.
- Kawai KDP120: USB to Host and Bluetooth MIDI, providing both wired and wireless connectivity options.
Pedals:
- Yamaha YDP-165: Three pedals with half-pedaling support.
- Kawai KDP120: Three pedals with half-pedaling support, similar to the YDP-165.
Yamaha YDP-165 vs. Roland F-140R
Keyboard Feel and Action:
- Yamaha YDP-165: Graded Hammer 3 (GH3) keyboard.
- Roland F-140R: PHA-4 Standard keyboard with Escapement and Ivory Feel.
Sound Quality:
- Yamaha YDP-165: CFX Premium Grand Piano Voice with VRM.
- Roland F-140R: SuperNATURAL Piano technology, which provides a highly expressive and dynamic sound.
Polyphony:
- Yamaha YDP-165: 192-note polyphony.
- Roland F-140R: 128-note polyphony.
Additional Features:
- Yamaha YDP-165: Focuses on delivering an authentic piano experience with essential features.
- Roland F-140R: Includes additional rhythms and accompaniment styles, making it more versatile for different types of music.
Connectivity:
- Yamaha YDP-165: USB to Host and Smart Pianist app compatibility.
- Roland F-140R: Bluetooth MIDI connectivity and USB to Host.
Design:
- Yamaha YDP-165: Classic and elegant design suitable for various settings.
- Roland F-140R: Compact and modern design, ideal for smaller spaces.
Each of these digital pianos has its unique strengths and features, catering to different preferences and needs. The Yamaha YDP-165 stands out with its realistic keyboard feel and high-quality sound, but the choice ultimately depends on the specific requirements and budget that you have. In case you think the YDP-165 would be great, but your budget is smaller than its price, you can check out the Yamaha YDP-145, the more budget friendly choice of the YDP line.