Yamaha
NU1XA
$5,500
A real upright piano action inside a digital instrument
9.9 Beginner 8.5 Night Practice 1.5 Portability 9.2 Touch Reality 8.8 Value
88 116 kg
View Details Kawai
Kawai NV-5S Review
Real grand piano hammers in an upright body — the hybrid that closes the gap
88 Keys 89 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 | 89 kg | -3 |
| Width | 1445 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-5S places a real grand piano hammer mechanism inside an elegant upright cabinet, delivering an acoustic touch experience that no purely digital action can replicate — with all the silent-practice benefits of digital.
Pros
- • Real grand piano hammer mechanism — not a simulation, but actual wooden hammers that move the same way as in a Kawai acoustic grand
- • Grand Feel III wooden keys with counterweights — Kawai's finest digital piano action combined with a real mechanical action above it
- • 150W 6-speaker Onkyo system — tuned to complement the physical resonance of the hammer mechanism
- • SK-EX Rendering sound engine — the same Shigeru Kawai concert grand sampling used in the CA flagship line
- • Upright piano form factor — takes less floor space than a grand while delivering grand-level touch
- • Bluetooth Audio + MIDI with PianoRemote app for detailed sound customization
- • Silent practice mode — switch off the speakers and practice through headphones with the same mechanical key feel
Cons
- • 89 kg — professional delivery required; this is a serious piece of furniture
- • $7,500 enters acoustic piano territory — you need to be certain the hybrid concept appeals to you
- • The mechanical action is slightly noisier than a purely digital piano — key movement produces faint mechanical sounds even in headphone mode
- • 150W speakers vs the NV-10S's 200W — in very large rooms, the difference may be noticeable
The NV-5S occupies a unique space: it's neither fully digital nor fully acoustic, and that's precisely its appeal. For pianists who need silent practice capability but refuse to sacrifice acoustic touch quality, nothing else on the market comes this close. Compared to the NV-10S ($10,000), the NV-5S uses the same key mechanism concept but with a 150W speaker system instead of 200W, and a slightly more compact cabinet. For home use in a normal-sized room, the NV-5S delivers 95% of the NV-10S experience at 75% of the price. If you've been torn between acoustic and digital for years, this is the piano that ends that debate.
Technical Deep Dive
About the Key Action
This is where the NV-5S fundamentally differs from every other digital piano. Above the Grand Feel III key mechanism sits a real grand piano hammer assembly. When you press a key, you're not just activating a sensor — you're moving a real wooden hammer through a real mechanical action. The result is an escapement feel, a let-off point, and a dynamic response that no spring or counterweight system can fully simulate. Players who have spent years on acoustic grands will immediately recognize the difference. It's the closest you can get to acoustic touch without strings.
Who Is This Piano For?
You're a pianist who craves the authentic mechanical feel of a grand piano action but needs the practicality of digital — silent practice at night, zero tuning, apartment-friendly volume control. You've played high-end digital pianos and found that even the best digital actions lack a certain 'something' in how the key moves. The NV-5S gives you that missing piece: real hammers, real inertia, real escapement — packaged in an upright body that fits where a grand cannot.
Specifications
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Grand Feel Iii |
| Polyphony | 256 notes |
| Sounds | 96 |
| Weight | 89 kg |
| Speakers | 150W (×6) |
| 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) | 1445×495×1010 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-5S vs NU1XA
The NU1XA edges ahead in Value. The NU1XA costs $2,000 less. Choose the NU1XA if you prioritize value for money.
Yamaha NU1XA →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Kawai NV-5S good for beginners?
Yes. The Kawai NV-5S 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-5S have Bluetooth?
Yes, the Kawai NV-5S supports both Bluetooth MIDI and Bluetooth Audio, so you can connect wirelessly to apps and stream audio.
How heavy is the Kawai NV-5S?
The Kawai NV-5S weighs 89 kg (196 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-5S?
Yes. The Kawai NV-5S 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-5S have?
The Kawai NV-5S 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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