The catch
Kawai ES920
Recording audio to a USB flash drive does not make the piano a live USB audio interface.
Side by side
Kawai ES920 vs Yamaha P-525: Kawai carries lighter, while Yamaha adds sixteen-track arranging and live USB audio
Quick verdict
For 16-track arranging and direct USB audio, take the P-525. The ES920 is the pick for a lighter published body, two-part recording and USB audio-file capture.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Matching desk depth does not mean matching weight to move
Before rests, the ES920 is 375 mm deep and the P-525 is 376 mm, only 1 mm apart. Kawai lists 17 kg without its rest, and Yamaha lists 22 kg for the instrument. Confirm the basis of the complete setup, but do not assume these near-identical depths mean an equally manageable carry.
Where this comes from
Depth before the music rest: ES920 375 mm, P-525 376 mm. Listed instrument weight: ES920 17 kg (without music rest), P-525 22 kg. For the ES920 the weight is given without the music rest, while for the P-525 the weight basis was not established in the checked record. Any workflow reading here is conditional and drawn from these documented figures. There is no matched performance measurement behind it.
The catch
Yamaha P-525
Expect to pay more for a full three-pedal setup and the matching stand.
Kawai ES920
- Why pick it
- The piano has to be moved around the home regularly
- The catch
- Recording audio to a USB flash drive does not make the piano a live USB audio interface.
Yamaha P-525
- Why pick it
- You capture the internal piano sound over USB straight into computer software
- Your arrangements go beyond two parts
- The catch
- Expect to pay more for a full three-pedal setup and the matching stand.
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What this page compares
Kawai ES920 vs Yamaha P-525, compared on listed instrument weight, internal recorder tracks and live USB audio interface, along with the practice routines that decide the better choice.
Two headphone connections, dedicated outputs and included half-pedals come with both of these upper-range portable pianos. Putting them on a shortlist makes sense for a player who wants a serious home instrument without a fixed cabinet.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
The piano has to be moved around the home regularly
Before rests, the ES920 is 375 mm deep and the P-525 is 376 mm, only 1 mm apart. Kawai lists 17 kg without its rest, and Yamaha lists 22 kg for the instrument. Confirm the basis of the complete setup, but do not assume these near-identical depths mean an equally manageable carry.
- Kawai ES920
- Better fit
- Yamaha P-525
- Good
You capture the internal piano sound over USB straight into software on a computer
Saving audio to USB memory works on both. The P-525 also sends live USB audio into compatible software, but the ES920's computer connection is MIDI. If you are building a computer session, Yamaha's direct route helps. A self-contained audio-file take is possible on either piano.
- Kawai ES920
- Caution
- Yamaha P-525
- Better fit
Your arrangements go beyond two parts
Two recorder parts on the ES920 are enough for a hand-by-hand exercise. The P-525 offers 16 tracks, which suit more developed arrangements. If all you do is record one hand and practice the other, the extra tracks will not make a better lesson on their own. Let the action trial and the complete cost decide instead.
- Kawai ES920
- Caution
- Yamaha P-525
- Better fit
A half-pedal has to be supplied from day one
A suitable pedal comes with both. Compare the full stand setup and the recording workflow, since the pedal is not a benefit either one has to itself.
- Kawai ES920
- Good
- Yamaha P-525
- Good
In practice
Differences you will notice
Matching desk depth does not mean matching weight to move
Before rests, the ES920 is 375 mm deep and the P-525 is 376 mm, only 1 mm apart. Kawai lists 17 kg without its rest, and Yamaha lists 22 kg for the instrument. Confirm the basis of the complete setup, but do not assume these near-identical depths mean an equally manageable carry.
How we worked this out
Depth before the music rest: ES920 375 mm, P-525 376 mm. Listed instrument weight: ES920 17 kg (without music rest), P-525 22 kg. For the ES920 the weight is given without the music rest, while for the P-525 the weight basis was not established in the checked record. Any workflow reading here is conditional and drawn from these documented figures. There is no matched performance measurement behind it.
Where your recording is headed decides the better route
Saving audio to USB memory works on both. The P-525 also sends live USB audio into compatible software, but the ES920's computer connection is MIDI. If you are building a computer session, Yamaha's direct route helps. A self-contained audio-file take is possible on either piano.
How we worked this out
Live USB audio interface: ES920 No, P-525 Yes. Audio recording to USB memory: ES920 Yes, P-525 Yes. USB MIDI: ES920 Yes, P-525 Yes. The workflow conclusion drawn from these documented inputs is conditional, and no matched performance measurement backs it.
Sixteen tracks pay off only if you build layers
Two recorder parts on the ES920 are enough for a hand-by-hand exercise. The P-525 offers 16 tracks, which suit more developed arrangements. If all you do is record one hand and practice the other, the extra tracks will not make a better lesson on their own. Let the action trial and the complete cost decide instead.
How we worked this out
Internal recorder tracks: ES920 has 2, P-525 has 16. Keyboard mechanism: ES920 Responsive Hammer III, P-525 GrandTouch-S. This is a conditional workflow inference from documented inputs, with no matched performance measurement.
Option A
Kawai, ES920
ES920
Within the same listed footprint as the ES520, the ES920 packs a two-part recorder, USB audio-file recording and the included half-pedal. Its 17 kg body is heavier to carry.
- Best for
- The piano has to be moved around the home regularly
Facts we checked
- Instrument weight as listed: 17 kg (without music rest)
- Tracks on the internal recorder: 2
- Live USB audio interface: Absent
- Audio recording to USB memory: Supported
Option B
Yamaha, P-525
P-525
If you build recordings at home as well as practice, the 16-track recorder, USB audio and included FC3A pedal fit the job. At 48 lb 8 oz, the body needs a thought-out plan for moving it.
- Best for
- You capture the internal piano sound over USB straight into computer software
Facts we checked
- Instrument weight as listed: 22 kg
- Tracks on the internal recorder: 16
- Live USB audio interface: Present
- Audio recording to USB memory: Supported
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Kawai ES920 | Yamaha P-525 | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listed instrument weight | 17 kg (without music rest) | 22 kg | Work out the load you will be moving from the stated measurement basis, and then add the stand, case and accessories. |
| Internal recorder tracks | 2 | 16 | A large number by itself counts for less than track allocation and independent overdubbing. |
| Live USB audio interface | No | Yes | Whether compatible software can take the internal piano sound directly over USB depends on this. |
| Audio recording to USB memory | Yes | Yes | Live USB audio to a computer is not the same workflow as saving an audio file to a drive. |
| Depth before music rest | 375 mm | 376 mm | The music rest, cable route and comfortable playing clearance are all left out of bare depth. |
| Keyboard mechanism | Responsive Hammer III | GrandTouch-S | Try out the documented mechanism before taking its name as a guarantee about feel or mechanical noise. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Kawai ES920
- Play the Responsive Hammer III action yourself before assuming the mechanism guarantees a certain feel.
With Yamaha P-525
- Yamaha's compact P-series models are far lighter than this body.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
The piano has to be moved around the home regularly
Go with Kawai ES920. Before rests, the ES920 is 375 mm deep and the P-525 is 376 mm, only 1 mm apart. Kawai lists 17 kg without its rest, and Yamaha lists 22 kg for the instrument. Confirm the basis of the complete setup, but do not assume these near-identical depths mean an equally manageable carry.
You capture the internal piano sound over USB straight into software on a computer
Go with Yamaha P-525. Saving audio to USB memory works on both. The P-525 also sends live USB audio into compatible software, but the ES920's computer connection is MIDI. If you are building a computer session, Yamaha's direct route helps. A self-contained audio-file take is possible on either piano.
You need a verified winner on mechanical key noise or on personal playing comfort
Neither model fits. Manufacturer records contain no matched test for those outcomes. Try the instruments under the conditions you intend to play in.
Decision guide
How to decide
Matching desk depth does not mean matching weight to move
Before rests, the ES920 is 375 mm deep and the P-525 is 376 mm, only 1 mm apart. Kawai lists 17 kg without its rest, and Yamaha lists 22 kg for the instrument. Confirm the basis of the complete setup, but do not assume these near-identical depths mean an equally manageable carry.
Where your recording is headed decides the better route
Saving audio to USB memory works on both. The P-525 also sends live USB audio into compatible software, but the ES920's computer connection is MIDI. If you are building a computer session, Yamaha's direct route helps. A self-contained audio-file take is possible on either piano.
Sixteen tracks pay off only if you build layers
Two recorder parts on the ES920 are enough for a hand-by-hand exercise. The P-525 offers 16 tracks, which suit more developed arrangements. If all you do is record one hand and practice the other, the extra tracks will not make a better lesson on their own. Let the action trial and the complete cost decide instead.
What this page can’t tell you
- This comparison rests on documented specifications and conditional reasoning about your setup. We have not put key feel, mechanical noise or speaker performance side by side and measured them.
- The dimensions given are for the specified body or cabinet. Allow space as well for the rest, cables, bench and player.
- Before you order, verify the exact Amazon model, color, supplied accessories, condition and delivery date.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the digital pianos we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
Show the facts and the math
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kawai ES920 |
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| Yamaha P-525 |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Kawai ES920
The piano has to be moved around the home regularly
See price & reviews on AmazonYamaha P-525
You capture the internal piano sound over USB straight into computer software
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