Comparison
Kawai ES520 vs Kawai ES920
The ES920 changes the playing mechanism to Responsive Hammer III and expands recording capability, including audio recording to USB memory. The ES520 uses RHC II and a simpler MIDI recorder. Their stated amplifier output is the same, so this is not primarily a louder-speaker upgrade. Specialist assessments differ: AMAZONA hears little difference in their piano sound, while Pianoo favors the ES920’s detail and expressive response. Audition both with a soft passage and repeated notes. The ES520 now needs a condition-and-availability check in the U.S.; no direct replacement relationship is claimed. If an ES520 offer saves little against an available ES920, evaluate the higher model’s action and recording workflow before committing.
Open this pair in the interactive comparison
| Feature | ES520 | ES920 |
|---|---|---|
| Price reference | Legacy model — current remaining-stock and used prices vary. Instrument only; finish, tax, accessories, delivery and assembly may affect the total. | USD 1599.00 historical promotion (ended 2026-09-30; checked 2026-09-25). Current price unavailable; excluded from budget matching. Instrument only; finish, tax, accessories, delivery and assembly may affect the total. |
| Best-fit buyer | Home players who want a screen and direct controls without an arranger workflow; Buyers considering a well-kept used or confirmed remaining-stock ES520; Players who like Kawai’s piano sounds and want speakers plus dedicated line outputs | Experienced home players; Portable setups that still need expressive control |
| Keyboard action | Responsive Hammer Compact II (RHC II) | Responsive Hammer III |
| Key construction | Not verified | Not verified |
| Key surface | Smooth matte black and white keys | Not verified |
| Escapement / let-off | Not verified | Yes |
| Maximum polyphony | 192 | 256 |
| Piano sound technology | Progressive Harmonic Imaging (PHI) | Harmonic Imaging XL; SK-EX, SK-5, EX, K-60 |
| Speakers | 8 x 12 cm x 2 | 8 × 12 cm × 2 |
| Amplification | 20 W x 2 | 20 W × 2 |
| Pedals | F-10H included; GFP-3 / F-302 optional | F-10H included; GFP-3 and F-302 supported |
| Bluetooth audio | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth MIDI | Yes | Yes |
| USB audio interface | No | Not verified |
| USB MIDI | Yes | Yes |
| Line outputs | Yes | 6.35 mm L/MONO and R |
| Headphones | One 6.35 mm and one 3.5 mm stereo socket | 1 × 6.35 mm and 1 × 3.5 mm |
| Dimensions (mm) | 1340 W x 375 D x 145 H | 1340 W × 375 D × 145 H (without music rest) |
| Weight (kg) | 14.5 | 17 |
| Apps | PianoRemote | PianoRemote, PiaBookPlayer |
| Warranty | Not verified | Not verified |