Kawai CA17 vs Kawai ES8
| Kawai CA17 | Kawai ES8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Key action | RM3 Grand II action; 88 wooden keys; Grade-weighted hammers; Ivory Touch white key surfaces; Let-off simulation; Triple sensor key detection; Counterweights | Responsive Hammer III action - 88 keys - Grade-weighted hammers |
| Polyphony | 192 | 256 |
| Sounds / presets | 19 | 34 |
| Sound engine | Harmonic Imaging XL (HI-XL) - 88-key stereo sampling - SK-EX, EX, K-60 recording | Harmonic Imaging XL (HI-XL) - 88-key stereo sampling |
| Speakers | 40 W | 30 W |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| USB audio | No | Yes |
| Weight | 59 kg | 22.5 kg |
| Released | 2015 | 2015 |
| USB to host | yes | — |
| Discontinued | 1 | 2020 |
| Status | legacy | discontinued |
| Keys | 88 | 88 |
| Pedals | Grand Feel Pedal System, Damper (with half-pedal support), Soft, Sostenuto | — |
Which one should you buy?
- Choose the Kawai ES8 if lighter to carry to gigs and lessons (59 kg vs 22.5 kg).
- Choose the Kawai ES8 if you layer sounds or use the sustain pedal heavily (192 vs 256).
- Choose the Kawai ES8 if you want more variety of built-in voices (19 vs 34).
- Choose the Kawai CA17 if you practise out loud without an amp (40 W vs 30 W).
Full spec sheets: Kawai CA17 · Kawai ES8. Rows with a highlighted background differ.