Kawai
NV-5S
$7,500
Real grand piano hammers in an upright body — the hybrid that closes the gap
10.0 Beginner 8.5 Night Practice 1.5 Portability 9.2 Touch Reality 7.3 Value
88 89 kg
View Details Kawai
Kawai NV-10S Review
A real Kawai grand piano action with a volume knob — the ultimate hybrid
88 Keys 115 kg grand feel iii
Bluetooth
Advanced
Scores
How These Scores Were Calculated
Beginner
10.0| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 3.0 |
| Lesson Function | Yes | +1.5 |
| App Connectivity | Yes | +1.5 |
| Recording | Yes | +1 |
| Metronome | Yes | +0.5 |
| Transpose | Yes | +0.3 |
| Layer / Split | Yes | +0.3 |
| Preset Songs | 371 | +1.5 |
| Sound Variety | 96 sounds | +0.5 |
Night Practice
8.5| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 2.0 |
| Headphone Jacks | 2 | +2 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm, 3.5mm | +1.5 |
| Headphone Optimization | Yes | +1.5 |
| Key Action Quietness | grand feel iii | +0 |
| Volume Control | Yes | +1 |
| Bluetooth Audio | Yes | +0.5 |
Portability
1.5| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 115 kg | -3 |
| Width | 1491 mm | -0.5 |
| Battery | No | +0 |
| Foldable | No | +0 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +0 |
Touch Reality
9.2| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action Quality | grand feel iii (grade 9) | +5.4 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +1.5 |
| Polyphony | 256 notes | +1.5 |
| Sound Modeling | SK-EX Rendering | +0.5 |
| Key Surface | wood | +0.3 |
Our Verdict
The Novus NV-10S contains an actual Millennium III grand piano action — the same mechanism found in Kawai's acoustic concert grands — paired with a 200W Onkyo 8-speaker system and SK-EX Rendering sound engine. This is as close to acoustic as digital gets.
Pros
- • Millennium III grand piano action — the actual mechanical action from Kawai's acoustic grand pianos, not a replica or simulation
- • 200W 8-speaker Onkyo-tuned system — the most powerful amplification in any Kawai hybrid, projecting sound with concert-hall presence
- • SK-EX Rendering sound engine captures every nuance of the Shigeru Kawai 9-foot concert grand
- • Grand Feel III wooden keys with counterweights — connected to the real Millennium III mechanism above
- • Silent practice with authentic touch — turn off speakers and the mechanical action still gives you full acoustic key feel through headphones
- • Bluetooth Audio + MIDI with PianoRemote app integration
- • Premium polished ebony cabinet — an instrument that commands the room visually and acoustically
Cons
- • 115 kg — this is heavier than many acoustic uprights; professional delivery and floor reinforcement considerations are essential
- • $10,000 buys a quality acoustic grand — you must specifically want the hybrid advantages (silent mode, digital features) to justify this
- • 609mm depth is substantial — requires dedicated space planning, not a casual furniture addition
- • Mechanical action noise is present even in headphone mode — the hammers physically move, producing faint but audible keybed sounds
- • No line-out jacks — an inexplicable omission at this price tier
The NV-10S is not a digital piano with good touch — it's an acoustic piano action with digital sound generation. That distinction matters enormously. At $10,000, it competes with entry-level acoustic grands, and the decision comes down to what you value more: the resonance and projection of real strings, or the ability to practice silently, connect via Bluetooth, and never call a tuner. For pianists in apartments, those with noise-sensitive neighbors, or anyone who practices late at night, the NV-10S is genuinely the only instrument that doesn't require compromising on touch. Compared to the NV-5S ($7,500), the NV-10S adds the full Millennium III action (versus a modified version), 200W speakers, and a grander cabinet. If touch authenticity is your absolute top priority, this is the endgame.
Technical Deep Dive
About the Key Action
The NV-10S doesn't simulate a grand piano action — it contains one. The Millennium III action is the same mechanism installed in Kawai's GX and SK series acoustic grands. Real wooden hammers pivot on a real center pin, traveling through a real repetition lever with genuine let-off and escapement. When you press a key, you feel the exact same mechanical chain of events as on a $50,000 Shigeru Kawai SK-5. The only difference is that instead of striking a string, the hammer triggers an optical sensor. For any pianist who has spent serious time on acoustic instruments, the distinction between this and even the best purely digital action is immediately and unmistakably clear.
Who Is This Piano For?
You're a concert-level pianist or a dedicated advanced player who has spent decades on acoustic grands. You know the exact feeling of a Kawai grand action — the weight, the escapement, the way a key rebounds after a staccato — and you're not willing to accept any substitute. But you live in an apartment, or you practice at midnight, or you simply want zero maintenance. The NV-10S is the only digital piano that gives you an actual grand piano action with the ability to turn the volume to zero.
Specifications
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Grand Feel Iii |
| Polyphony | 256 notes |
| Sounds | 96 |
| Weight | 115 kg |
| Speakers | 200W (×8) |
| Bluetooth | Audio + MIDI |
| Key Surface | Wood |
| Sound Modeling | SK-EX Rendering |
| Headphone Jacks | 2 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm, 3.5mm |
| Headphone Optimization | Yes |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line Out | No |
| Lesson Function | Yes |
| App Connectivity | Yes |
| Recording | Yes |
| Metronome | Yes |
| Transpose | Yes |
| Layer / Split | Yes |
| Preset Songs | 371 |
| Battery | No |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 1491×609×962 mm |
| Stand Included | Yes |
| Pedal Included | Yes |
Recommended Accessories
🪑
Stand
Stand included
A sturdy X-stand or furniture-style stand is essential if one isn't included.
🎧
Headphones
Closed-back headphones with good bass response make practice sessions more enjoyable.
🎹
Sustain Pedal
The included pedal is usually basic. A half-damper pedal upgrade is worthwhile for expressive playing.
💺
Bench
An adjustable-height bench helps maintain proper posture during long practice sessions.
How It Compares
NV-10S vs NV-5S
The NV-5S edges ahead in Value. The NV-5S costs $2,500 less. Choose the NV-5S if you prioritize value for money.
Kawai NV-5S →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Kawai NV-10S good for beginners?
Yes. The Kawai NV-10S scores 10/10 on our Beginner scale, which means it has strong learning features like lesson modes, app connectivity, and built-in songs to help new players get started.
Does the Kawai NV-10S have Bluetooth?
Yes, the Kawai NV-10S supports both Bluetooth MIDI and Bluetooth Audio, so you can connect wirelessly to apps and stream audio.
How heavy is the Kawai NV-10S?
The Kawai NV-10S weighs 115 kg (254 lbs). It scores 1.5/10 on our Portability scale. This is a stay-in-place instrument — plan its location before setup.
Can I use headphones with the Kawai NV-10S?
Yes. The Kawai NV-10S has 2 headphone jacks (6.3mm, 3.5mm). It scores 8.5/10 on our Night Practice scale. It also features headphone sound optimization for a more immersive experience.
How many keys does the Kawai NV-10S have?
The Kawai NV-10S has a full 88-key keyboard, the same as an acoustic piano. This gives you the complete range for any piece of music.
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