We compare CN-301, HP-702 and CLP-725

Today we will be comparing three pianos from three different brands. We will be comparing the Kawai CN-301 with the Yamaha CLP-725 and the Roland HP-702. There are many things to consider and compare, and in this article, we’ll look at keys, speakers, sounds, functions, connectivity, and weight of the instruments.

The CN-301 is a brand-new instrument just released this summer of 2022. The Yamaha CLP-725 was released in (March) 2021 and the Roland HP-702 was announced in April 2019.

Sound

Kawai CN-301 has samples of the Shigeru Kawai grand piano. Earning a reputation as the ‘premier pianos of Japan’, Shigeru Kawai instruments grace the stages of concert halls and musical institutions throughout the world and are prized for their outstanding tonal clarity and exceptional dynamic range. The CN39 captures the magnificent tone of two premier Shigeru Kawai instruments: the flagship SK-EX Concert and mid-sized SK-5 Studio grand pianos, allowing musicians to enjoy the contrasting properties of each.

The instruments are faithfully reproduced with full 88-key sampling using proprietary Progressive Harmonic Imaging™ sound technology, to establish a new standard in digital piano tonal quality.

Roland HP-702 uses the SuperNATURAL piano sound. With this technology, Roland samples every single one of a piano’s 88 keys, at full length, with completely natural decay. Many other electronic pianos will loop the decaying part of the sound to save memory. But it is what Roland does with these samples that truly sets it apart.

With modelling technology, SuperNATURAL creates a smooth transition between samples, between different notes, and different velocities, so there isn’t any noticeable sample switching. This means that rather than having a quiet sample, medium sample and loud sample for notes like many digital pianos, it effectively has many layers and no noticeable transitions.

Yamaha CLP-725's grand piano sounds are recorded from several world-renowned concert grand pianos. One of them is the CFX, Yamaha’s top-flight concert grand piano, which has been newly sampled for the CLP Series. Pianists around the world are enamored with the impressive, dazzling, richly expressive sound of the CFX in concert halls.
Another sampled concert grand is the Imperial, the flagship model of Bösendorfer, a time-honored Viennese piano brand with an ardent following. The Imperial is known for its abundance of color and natural, warm feeling.

Yamaha faithfully reproduces the idiosyncrasies of these concert grand pianos by carefully recording the entire tonal range of each of the 88 keys, making minute adjustments to capture the most harmonious tones each piano has to offer.

Key action

Kawai CN-301's class-leading Responsive Hammer III keyboard action recreates the supreme touch of an acoustic grand piano, with its realistic movement and rigid, springless design providing a smooth and natural piano playing experience.  The instrument's triple-sensor key detection system enhances responsiveness and accuracy, while structural reinforcements throughout the action assembly help to minimize noise and key wobble during staccato and fortissimo passages.

The weight of the keyboard is appropriately graded to mirror the heavier bass hammers and lighter treble hammers of an acoustic piano, while let-off simulation recreates the subtle 'notch' sensation felt when softly playing the keys of a grand piano.

Roland HP-702’s PHA-4 Standard keyboard brings out the best of your playing. With fast-key repetition and high-resolution sensing, this responsive keyboard was designed to satisfy the most demanding pianists—so you won’t need to upgrade, as your technique improves. The keys even replicate the look and feel of real ebony and ivory, and their textured, moisture-absorbing properties mean your fingers won’t slide off.

Yamaha CLP-725 has the GrandTouch-S™ keyboard. Yamaha’s latest keyboard action features a broad dynamic range and faithful response to every nuance of touch that puts a wide expanse of tone—from delicate to bold—at the pianist’s fingertips. The highly consistent grand piano hammers replicate the pleasing response felt when the hammers strike the strings, enabling precise control of the tone.

Highly absorbent synthetic-ivory white keys and synthetic-ebony black keys prevent slipping even during extended play and feel just like those of a grand piano.

Functionalities

All three pianos are equipped with Dual function or the possibility to layer two sounds, the possibility to play two people at the same time in the same octaves, transpose and tuning function and metronome.

All just mentioned functionalities are pretty much standard functionalities to expect from a Digital Piano today, and what we could call Basic Functions. However, these instruments can do much more today.

The advanced use of Modeling means that you can adjust on basically any parameter today, for example String Resonance, Pedal adjustments, Reverb, Room Size, Piano Lid openness and so much more. All this can be adjusted either directly on the instrument, or from one of their native Apps. We could recommend, checking the app out, to see what is possible on each instrument.

When it comes to connectivity all three instruments have two stereo headphones jack and USB-to-Host. The HP-702 furthermore has one input jack (stereo miniature phone type), two output jacks and a USB Memory port.

The CN-301 and the HP-702 come with Bluetooth MIDI and Bluetooth Audio. For Bluetooth-functionality on the CLP-725, it is necessary to buy the Bluetooth MIDI-adaptor.

Design

Kawai CN-301 is made in three different colors: Premium Satin Black, Premium Rosewood and Premium Satin White. The piano is available in a quality-conscious design, with a built-in OLED screen. There is a set of speakers behind the music stand, so the cabinet has a little extra depth.

Roland HP-702 is available in four different colors: Charcoal Black, Rosewood, Light Oak and White. The height of the piano makes it very elegant especially due to its fine, round edges. The display is located behind the keys, with round buttons, for easy operation.

Yamaha CLP-725 is also available in four different colors: Polished Ebony, Black, Dark Rosewood and White. The design of this piano is very minimalistic with sharp edges that are clearly inspired by the upright piano. This piano is the lowest of the three models, so it fits into smaller spaces.

A unique feature

The Roland HP-702 has a particularly unique feature. When the lid of the piano is opened, the piano turns on by itself, so you are instantly ready to play. The piano also turns off again when the lid is closed over the keys again. It's a small, elegant feature that makes the overall piano experience a little better.

What is great about these instruments is, they are mid-range digital pianos with all the functionalities you find on the bigger models, but on a budget most people can get. As the most important parameter when choosing a digital piano are, that it has 88 weighted keys, the possibility to use headphones, it has great sounds and a beautiful exterior – all which these three instruments fulfill. Now it’s just a matter of individual taste.

You can visit our YouTube channel for sounds comparison, unboxings, and product descriptions.