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KAWAI ES vs CN DIGITAL PIANOS


The Kawai ES Series and Kawai CN Series are both popular lines of digital pianos, but they’re designed with different users in mind. Here's a detailed comparison to help you understand how they differ:


1. Purpose and Design


ES Series


Portability- Highly portable, designed for mobility


Design- Slim, lightweight, stage-piano look 


Target User- Gigging musicians, students needing portability


CN Series


Portability- Console-style, designed to stay in one place


Design- Full cabinet with furniture-like appearance


Target User- Home users wanting a traditional piano look and feel


2. Action and Key Feel


ES920 / ES520 


Key Action: ES920: Responsive Hammer III (RHIII)

ES520: Responsive Hammer Compact II (RHCII)


Material: Plastic keytops with matte finish


Feel Comparison: Very good for portable; slight edge to CNs with regard to realism



CN301 / CN201


Key Action: CN301: Responsive Hammer III (RHIII) CN201: Responsive Hammer III (RHIII)


Material: Simulated ivory/ebony key tops


Feel Comparison: More piano-like due to keytops, solid cabinet and added resonance



3. Sound and Amplification


 ES Series


Sound Engine: Harmonic Imaging XL

Speakers: ES920: 40W total; ES520: 20W total

Sound Projection: Less resonance due to open design



 CN Series


Sound Engine: Harmonic Imaging XL

Speakers: CN301: 40W; CN201: 40W

Sound Projection: More resonant and immersive due to full cabinet



4. Features and Connectivity


Bluetooth: Both feature full Bluetooth audio and Bluetooth MIDI



5. Price Range (USD)


(approximate, as of 2025)


● ES520: ~$1,300


● ES920: ~$1,900


● CN201: ~$2,100


● CN301: ~$2,600



6. Summary: Which Should You Choose?


If You Want...

budget-friendly portable option 

Go With...

ES520


If You Want...

Portability and solid action

Go With...

ES920A


If You Want...

A home piano with better resonance

Go With...

CN201 or CN301


If You Want...

A even more acoustic feel + cabinet resonance. (Best for students.)

Go With...

CN301


7. Conclusion


Deciding which one suits you best will come down to your specific usage. Consider whether you need the piano to be portable for a gigging adult or stable in-home for a child learning the piano or for taking piano lessons. Looking for a digital piano that's a step up from the CN Series? Try the CA Line or consider making your piano a centerpiece with the new DG30 Digital Grand.

 
 
 

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