Product Description

Product Overview

A spirit of innovation is what one will ultimately find at the core of each Kawai piano. This is certainly exemplified in the company’s flagship digital piano line: the Concert Artist series. Kawai’s quest to emulate the experience of playing an acoustic grand piano has led to the development of some of the most advanced digital piano actions and tone engines on the market, most of which are reserved for their top-of-the-line CA models.

In essence, the Kawai CA501 is a more premium version of the CA401, which is the entry-level model of the Concert Artist line. While these two pianos share the same Grand Feel Compact action, the CA501 sets itself apart from its smaller sibling through the sonic experience it provides. An immense 100 W speaker system and upgraded Harmonic Imaging XL tone engine provides the Kawai CA501 with a remarkable sound that you have to hear to believe.

While the Kawai CA501 is clearly an expansion of its predecessor, the CA59, opposed to a brand new design, there are some meaningful upgrades and updates that make it an even more attractive offer from Kawai. The addition of a brand new SK-EX sample set is unquestionably the biggest talking point about the model. The new SK-EX Competition Grand sample is a bright, concert hall voicing of the extraordinary 9’ SK-EX concert grand. However, for those that prefer a warmer, darker tone, the SK-EX Concert Grand samples from the CA59 are also onboard the CA501.

Additional updates to the cabinet design, control panel, and graphic display are also quite significant and help ensure an even more comfortable and satisfying user experience. For customers shopping in the high-end digital category that don’t want to get caught spending too much or too little, the Kawai CA501 is the perfect middle-ground model.

Action

The all-wood Grand Feel Compact action is what Kawai has chosen to stick with for the new CA501 model. It is a full 88-note keyboard with let-off simulation, triple sensor detection, Ivory Feel key texture, and counterweights. The level of control it provides, particularly when playing very softly, is extraordinary. It is sure to satisfy even the most discerning piano players regardless of what their playing level is.

Although the Grand Feel Compact action has a slightly shorter key and pivot length compared to the Grand Feel III action included on the CA701 and CA901 models, it is plenty responsive thanks to Kawai’s excellent design. It is clear that no corners have been cut with the development of this action and, as such, the Kawai CA501 has the capacity to handle any level of play and any musical application. The excellent sensors and detection system makes it a viable MIDI controller too.

Sound Engine

The sound engine is one of the key areas in which the Kawai CA501 distinguishes itself from the more streamlined CA401 model. The CA501 uses Kawai’s super-advanced Harmonic Imaging XL sound engine, which is notably superior to the CA401’s Progressive Harmonic Imaging engine. In addition to offering far more sonic detail and nuance, the HI-XL engine has higher max polyphony than the PHI engine (256 notes versus 192 notes). The sonic presentation of the piano and other instrument sounds via the engine is quite impressive to say the least.

Expanding on the already successful SK-EX Concert Grand sample, the Kawai CA501 includes a brand new SK-EX Competition Grand sample set as well. The inclusion of two distinct, professional-calibre concert grand sample sets puts the CA501 in a league of its own for its respective price category. The SK-EX Competition Grand offers a bright, concert-hall sound, while the SK-EX Concert Grand offers a warm, intimate sound. This makes the CA501 very versatile.

In addition to the two primary concert grand sounds, the Kawai CA501 has an additional 43 onboard tones, leading to a total of 45 unique tones. Additional pianos round out an extensive library of electric pianos, organs, strings, choirs, and more. Users can even further modify and custom-tailor the piano sounds via the Virtual Piano Artisan. There are 21 adjustable parameters for users to work with to carve out their own signature sound.

Last but not least on the sound front, we have the speaker system. Yet again, this is another area where the CA501 stands head and shoulders above the CA401. A high-fidelity, 4-speaker array offers 100 W of speaker power. A pair of 13 cm woofers provide robust low-end, while a pair of 12 cm x 8 cm oval-shaped top speakers with diffusers cover the well-balanced and colourful mid and upper registers. Players will be completely blown away by the sonic power that the Kawai CA501 possesses.

Connectivity

The CA501 has everything one would expect from a top-tier home digital piano in terms of connectivity. Two headphone jacks (⅛“ and ¼” respectively) allow for quiet practice at any time of the day, while ¼” line outs (L/MONO + R) and a ¼” stereo line in ensures that the CA501 can seamlessly integrate into any audio configuration or scenario. The line outs and line in even have individual volume adjustment knobs. USB to Host and USB to Device ports round out the wired connectivity options.

On the wireless front, Kawai has included Bluetooth MIDI and Bluetooth Audio on the CA501. Bluetooth MIDI enables users to wireless connect to piano apps, including Kawai’s own PianoRemote and PiaBookPlayer apps. Furthermore, Bluetooth Audio allows users to play music wirelessly through the CA501’s monstrous onboard sound system. To that point, the Kawai CA501 can double as one heckuva home stereo system.

Notable Features

While some of the design refinements, such as the improved pedal positioning, control interface, and music rest, are a testament to Kawai’s admirable obsession with detail, the SK-EX Competition Grand sample is significant. Given that there is a seemingly 50/50 spit within the piano community between bright and warm when it comes to tonal preference, the inclusion of two contrasting samples is a masterstroke by Kawai. Players that have an affinity for brighter, more crystally tones will no longer need to cross Kawai off their shopping lists. The SK-EX Competition Grand and SK-EX Concert Grand combo ensures that there is something for everyone on the CA501.

• Kawai’s all-wood Grand Feel Compact action with Ivory Feel key surfaces, triple sensors, let-off, and counterweights
• Grand Feel Pedal System with half-pedal damper support
• Highly-advanced Harmonic Imaging XL tone engine
• 45 total onboard sounds
• Brand new SK-EX Competition Grand samples for even more tonal choices
• Onboard Virtual Piano Artisan engine with 21 adjustable parameters for customization of piano sounds
• 100 W 4-speaker system, which provides a powerful and well-balanced sound
• Two headphone jacks (⅛” + ¼”) that allow users to experience Kawai’s impressive Spatial Headphone Sound
• Line In and Line Out connectivity for seamless audio integration
• Updated cabinet with meaningful refinements and three attractive finish options
• Bluetooth MIDI allows the CA501 to be used with Kawai’s PianoRemote and PiaBookPlayer apps
• Bluetooth Audio allows the CA501 to double as a powerful, high-fidelity home-stereo system
• Extensive collections of lesson songs from Alfred, Czerny, Beyer, Burgmüller, and more
• Built-in metronome for optimal convenience
• Internal Recorder with 10 songs and approximately 90,000 notes of memory
• USB to Host and USB to Device allows for wired connection versatility

Conclusion

If you are looking for the best possible key action, sound, and feature offering around the $5000 USD price point, the Kawai CA501 is the ideal choice. From the Grand Feel Compact’s solid wood keys to the Harmonic Imaging XL’s incredible rendering of the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand, the CA501 is a fully-loaded powerhouse that checks off all the boxes one would demand from a pro-level home digital piano. Experience the beauty of two wonderful SK-EX sample sets through a robust 100 W 4-speaker system and get lost in the magic of the Kawai CA501.

Specifications:

Width: 142.5 cm
Height: 93 cm
Depth: 48.5 cm
Weight: 66 kg

Action: Grand Feel Compact
Solid Wooden Keys: Yes
Counterweights: Yes
Triple Sensor Key Detection: Yes
Let-off Simulation: Yes

Soundboard Speaker System: No
Multi-channel Acoustic Rendering: No
88-key Stereo Sampling: Yes
Number of Sounds: 45
Virtual Piano Artisan Parameters: 21

Interface: 128 x 64 Dots OLED
Bluetooth: Bluetooth MIDI + Audio
Output Power: 100 W
Speakers: 13 cm x 2 (Woofers) + 8 cm x 12 cm x 2 (Top Speakers with Diffusers)

Colours Available: Satin Black, Satin White, Premium Rosewood
Warranty: 5 Years