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🛒 Get the Kawai CN29 HERE ▸ 🛒 Get the Kawai CN201 HERE ▸Coming Soon! 🛒 See More Kawai Pianos HERE ▸ 💕 Subscribe to Merriam Pianos HERE ▸ 🔔 Click the 🔔 bell to be notified of all videos! ▸ #KawaiCN29 #KawaiCN201 #DigitalPiano Thanks for joining us here on YouTube on the Merriam Pianos channel. Today, we’ll be checking out the brand-new Kawai CN201 and its predecessor the CN29 in a side-by-side comparison. We love being able to test new models against their previous versions to really see and hear the improvements in context. Please like, subscribe and hit that notification bell! Background The CN201 would definitely be considered an evolution as opposed to a full-scale revolution. The CN29’s chip supplier, Onkyo, went out of business so Kawai had to seek out a new partnership for their motherboards and signal processing. The CN29 was a massively popular instrument and considered by many to be one of the best-value digital pianos in the class, so there’s no question that there’s some serious pressure on the CN201 to deliver. Piano Sound The CN201 features a newly enhanced Shigeru Kawai SKEX sample set, and to us, the new sample sounds like it has a different tone curve and compression algorithm. The upper volume range is much smoother and less harsh on the CN201, especially when playing with headphones. We’re also finding that the tone is more rounded on the CN201, with more potential for delicacy. We’re also noting that the headphone spatialization effect is more pronounced on the CN201 as well. The CN201 also features a brand new sample entirely with the inclusion of the Kawai K60 upright piano. In our opinion, we think this is one of the best upright piano samples loaded onto a digital piano we’ve heard at this point. On paper, the CN201 seemingly has the same speaker system and 40 watts of rated output power, however, in practice, either thanks to the improved signal processing or tweaked design, the speakers do seem clearer and to be performing at an overall higher level. Piano Action Kawai brings back the Responsive Hammer III action once again, however, this is a new and improved version featuring enhanced cushioning. The result is that the action is quieter mechanically, and should be more durable in the long run. All of the previous perks of the RHIII action including a triple sensor, escapement and textured key tops are present once again. Features The CN201 notably now features Bluetooth Audio in addition to Bluetooth MIDI, while the CN29 only had Bluetooth MIDI. This allows you to stream music and make great use of the CN201’s onboard speaker system. Next, the control panel has been redesigned for better ease of use, and the key cover design has all been improved. Otherwise, all of the same great features on the CN29 return here. Closing Thoughts To quickly summarize the improvement of the CN201, we have an improved SKEX core sample, an added K60 upright piano sample, overall enhanced signal processing, improved action cushioning, added Bluetooth Audio, redesigned control panel and key cover. Now, there are still going to be CN29s available at certain dealers for the next little while, likely at a reduced price. In that case, who would still be better served springing for the CN201? We would say if you’re going to be doing a lot of playing with headphones, are concerned about action noise and having Bluetooth Audio is important to you, the CN201 will be worth the extra cost. If those above things don’t really describe you, the CN29 at a reduced price will be an absolute steal. Thanks for watching! Connect with Merriam Music: ● Website ▸ ● Contact Us ▸ ● Instagram ▸ ● Facebook ▸ ● Twitter ▸
