Kawai CA501 vs Kawai CA97
| Kawai CA501 | Kawai CA97 | |
|---|---|---|
| Key action | Grand Feel Compact action (88 wooden keys) | Grand Feel II action; 88 wooden keys; Grade-weighted hammers; Ivory Touch white key surfaces; Ebony Touch black key surfaces; Let-off simulation; Triple sensor key detection; 88-key Graded counterweights |
| Polyphony | 256 | 256 |
| Sounds / presets | 45 | 80 |
| Speakers | 100 W | 135 W |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| USB audio | No | No |
| Weight | 66 kg | 85 kg |
| Released | 2023 | 2015 |
| Release month | 4 | — |
| USB to host | — | yes |
| Discontinued | — | 1 |
| Status | current | legacy |
| Keys | 88 | 88 |
| Pedals | — | Grand Feel Pedal System, Damper (with half-pedal support), Soft, Sostenuto |
Which one should you buy?
- Choose the Kawai CA501 if lighter to carry to gigs and lessons (66 kg vs 85 kg).
- Choose the Kawai CA97 if you want more variety of built-in voices (45 vs 80).
- Choose the Kawai CA97 if you practise out loud without an amp (100 W vs 135 W).
- Choose the Kawai CA501 if you want wireless MIDI/audio from a phone or tablet.
Full spec sheets: Kawai CA501 · Kawai CA97. Rows with a highlighted background differ.