#Casio PX-S5000 vs PX-S1100

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Casio PX-S5000 vs PX-S1100 | Digital Piano Review | Casio Privia PX Comparison

With the recent expansion of the Casio Privia PX line, suddenly we’ve gone from two portable models to five with the new PX-S5000, PX-S6000 and PX-S7000 Privia digital pianos newly hitting the market.

The PX-S5000 serves as the direct step up to the hugely popular PX-S1100, and with a price point that isn’t overly prohibitive, for a lot of people making that jump to the S5000 will make sense. With that in mind, we’re going to do a detailed comparison for you here to cover the exact differences between these two instruments.

If you’re among those looking for a piano-centric, highly portable digital piano that also happens to offer an extremely slim cabinet, weighted keys and battery operation, odds are this Casio PX-S5000 vs PX-S1100 comparison will be very useful to you. If features and functionality are what you’re after, the PX-S3100 vs PX-S6000 comparison will be more relevant to you.

Casio PX-S5000 vs PX-S1100 Background

Even though the PX-S5000 hasn’t been out for too long at this point and many pre-orders haven’t yet been fulfilled, some internet chatter has already sprung up with the question; is the S5000 simply an overpriced PX-S1100BK with a rebranded action?

To be totally honest, we wondered the exact same thing here at Merriam Pianos when we first saw the specs sheet, as even things like the warranty coverage are the same. Fortunately, once we played the S5000 and got it side-by-side with the S1100, we realized right away that there are actually substantial differences in the piano tone and the action in terms of the actual playing experience.

In fact, the piano sound is much richer and really in a different class from the 1100. Paired with an improved action and the result is an instrument capable of much more nuance for those seeking a more realistic piano experience.

Let’s move to a more detailed comparison of the sound engines.

Piano Sound - Sound Engine & Speakers

When glancing at the sound-related specs, it looks like we’re working with very similar offerings here. For example, both pianos are the using the Multi-Dimensional Morphing AiR sound engine, the polyphony is the same, the effects like reverbs, hall simulators, DSP and surround are the same, and the speaker systems and wattage are the same.

That said, there is one notable difference - the fact that the S5000 digital piano includes Casio’s Hamburg Grand sample, which is the same sample used in Casio’s high-end GP310 and GP510 hybrid digital pianos. This is a much higher quality default grand piano sample than what the S1100 receives, and the result, especially when playing with headphones, is a much more authentic and immersive acoustic piano sound stage experience, meaning it truly feels like you’re in front of a concert grand.

Both pianos have the same Acoustic Simulators, but parameters like Damper Resonance and Damper Noise are coming through more clearly on the S5000.

The S1100 still sounds very good, especially for the price point, but there’s no question that there’s just much more detail coming from the S5000, especially in the mid and lower registers. In the upper register, there’s more color and depth to the sound on the S5000.

Stereo Speaker System

As we touched on above, both pianos are equipped with the same dual speaker system with 16 watts of total amplifier output power. These are redesigned speakers from what was used in the PX-S1000 and PX-S3000 resulting in cleaner high-end and more dynamic low end referred to as Casio’s new Sound System.

Since the speakers are identical, the differences in tone we mentioned above primarily apply to when you’re playing with headphones. You can still hear a difference when the speakers are engaged, but those differences are less pronounced.

So, if you’re going to be doing a fair bit of playing with headphones, the improved sound is reason enough to go for the S5000 assuming you have the budget. If you’re primarily going to be using the speakers, the upgrade may not make sense for you.

Polyphony

As we also briefly mentioned above, polyphony is the same on both instruments at a strong 192 notes - easily enough to accommodate all solo piano playing.

Other Sounds

Once you move past the default grand piano presets, the rest of the tones are essentially the same, covering things like electric piano, organs and synths.

That said, there are 18 total sounds on the PX-S1100 as opposed to 23 sounds on the PX-S5000. Neither has the breadth of sounds you would find on a stage piano, but it’s worth noting that there are 5 extra on the S5000.

Casio Privia Piano Action - Smart Scaled vs Smart Hybrid Hammer Action

The PX-S1100’s Smart Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard

Casio’s Smart Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard has been met with favorable reviews overall, but many players have observed that the white keys feel weighted slightly differently from the white keys and that all of the keys feel different depending on where on the keyboard your fingers press the keys.

The big reason for this was in having to accommodate the PX-S1000’s super slim frame (where this action was introduced), meaning the action had to be compressed. The result is a very short pivot length, which is why the key weighting feels different depending on where you play the keys.

For many players (especially beginners), this won’t matter, but it does essentially disqualify the action for higher-level classical players or those who need their digital piano key action to mimic an acoustic key action as closely as possible.

The PX-S5000’s Smart Hybrid Hammer Action Keyboard

The new Smart Hybrid Hammer Action Keyboard has an identical pivot length so these general observations about the different weighting depending on where your fingers press are still true, but fortunately the weighting differences from the white and black keys have been fixed.

And despite the same pivot length, this action feels quite different from the S1100’s Smart Scaled action and definitely represents a step up.

Key Differences

For one, the cushioning is improved so the Smart Hybrid action emits much less mechanical noise than the Smart Scaled action does, and this will be a huge benefit to those looking to practice at odd hours without disturbing others.

Secondly, the Smart Hybrid action features wood siding, which means the keys themselves feel more like a real acoustic piano action. This might be a non-issue for some people, but it will be a big consideration for others. The wood siding should also help long-term durability, especially when combined with the improved cushioning.

Finally, the keytops feel different as well. On the S1100’s Smart Scaled action, the keytops have a very exaggerated texture, while the texture on the S5000’s Smart Hybrid action feels more like real ivory and ebony. Both sets of keytops have great playability, but there’s no doubt that the S5000’s keytops feel more like a real piano. For context, the Yamaha P-125’s GHS action does not offer textured keytops.

Overall, the Smart Hybrid action represents a real step up from the Smart Scaled action, which we hoped would be the case considering the jump in price. While it still wouldn’t be an ideal action for a classical pianist it is going to be a great action for many players.

Additional Features & Connectivity

Additional Accessories

Both pianos come as a slab, and ship with a music stand and basic SP-3 switch sustain pedal, though we would recommend an upgrade to the SP-10 damper pedal at minimum. Roland, Yamaha and Kawai are sometimes guilty of including a flimsy pedal in the box that should really be upgraded.

You can also opt for the SP-34 3-pedal unit if you’d like triple pedal functionality (soft, sostenuto and damper), and Casio’s CS-68 wooden design stand is an option as well.

Finish Options

The PX-S1100 is available in three distinct finish options - Black, White and Red. The PX-S5000 at this point is only available in Black.

Connectors - Line In/Out, Bluetooth & MIDI

Connectivity is virtually the same across these two pianos with the only difference being that the S1100 has a stereo mini line-in, whereas the S5000 does not. Perhaps Casio feels this isn’t a necessary terminal moving forward which would be why the newer and more expensive S5000 doesn’t have a line in.

Otherwise, all of the other jacks are the same including L/MONO, R line outputs, USB Type A and B, dual headphone outputs and a port for the power supply. Line-outs are essential for a gigging instrument so it’s nice to see them here.

Both pianos also come with the WU-BT10 wireless MIDI and Audio Bluetooth adaptor which is a very nice added bonus at no extra charge. Bluetooth MIDI means you can wirelessly access the new Casio Music Space App for iOS and Android which is one of the best music apps around and essentially replaces the Chordana Play for Piano app.

Bluetooth Audio allows you to stream music from a Smart Device through the piano’s speakers with the help of a simple Bluetooth adapter.

Extra Features

Features are pretty lean on both pianos, but things like a basic MIDI recorder and Audio recorder for recording and playback, metronome, transpose, built-in songs and playing modes like split are all covered.

Closing Thoughts

After taking a close look at both of these pianos, we can say confidently that the PX-S5000 is not simply an overpriced PX-S1100. The differences in the default grand piano patch and action make the PX-S5000 a distinct upgrade over the S1100, even if you need headphones to truly maximize those tonal differences.

The PX-S5000 is really offering a pretty awesome experience for the price, especially considering that it can be operated via battery power, and the PX-S1100 is continually heralded as one of the best digital pianos for its price point as well.

For some, these key upgrades will easily make the S5000 worth the extra money. For others, the S1100 is already more than enough of what they need.

The post Casio PX-S5000 vs PX-S1100 | Digital Piano Review | Casio Privia PX Comparison first appeared on Merriam Pianos

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Casio PX-S5000 vs Roland FP30X | Digital Piano Review & Comparison

Ever since Casio’s newest Privia PX models hit the market we’ve been getting a ton of requests to compare them to other already existing options in the marketplace.

Today, we’ll be lining up the brand-new PX-S5000 against an absolute titan of the class in the Roland FP-30X. This comparison was pretty much inevitable because of the fact that the price points are so close, but we were quick to find out that we really have two different beasts here aimed at two different audiences.

We’ll start our Casio PX-S5000 vs Roland FP30X comparison as we often do with an examination of each piano’s offering from a sound standpoint.

Casio PX-S5000 vs Roland FP30X - Sound Engine Comparison

Casio’s Multi-Dimensional Morphing AiR Sound Source

The Casio Privia PX-S5000BK is equipped with a very impressive default concert grand piano tone with the very well-rendered Hamburg Grand sample, originally used in their GP310 and GP510. You’ll also find this sample in the PX-S6000 and PX-S7000, and it’s a big step up from the default grand piano tone featured in PX-S1100.

In fact, we recently did a comparison video between the S5000 and S1100 so if you’d like to hear the difference for yourself, check out that video over on our YouTube channel.

We can definitely say that this is one of the better piano tones at the price point, so great job by Casio here. Polyphony is strong at 192 notes as well.

There’s also the Acoustic Simulator which allows you to access and edit a number of sound-related parameters like string resonance, damper resonance, damper noise, key on, key off, as well as effects like the Hall Simulator, reverbs, DSP effects and Surround Sound mode.

Roland’s SuperNATURAL Piano Sound Engine

The FP-30X introduced Roland’s new BMC chip which is able to extract much more out of the SuperNATURAL piano engine than what the Roland FP-30 was capable of. Polyphony is even stronger than the S5000 at a very impressive 256 notes.

The BMC chip is being used throughout the FP-X series with the FP-60X and FP-90X.

The piano sound is very dynamic and responds very well to changes in volume. You also have quite a bit of editing power via the Piano Designer App.

How do they Compare? Privia vs FP-X Series

When comparing these two piano sounds, and we've done this with a really good set of headphones on as well, the S5000 is doing a great job of creating a sense of true three-dimensional space. You can hear the hammers right in front of you, and it’s an overall very realistic impression of being behind a piano.

As you play each note, the AiR engine automatically starts to draw from different samples to bring out different aspects of the instrument hence the multidimensional morphing verbiage that implies that Casio has sampled the grand piano with more than just a basic stereo mic placement.

On the FP-30X, the impression that you're given is that of a very complex tone surrounded by partials. Rather than being given a strong player’s perspective impression, it feels more like you're an audience member hearing the piano sound coming at you.

I hope I'm describing this with some level of usefulness to people. But that's really how I describe the two experiences of playing those pianos side by side.

Other Sounds - Electric Pianos, Synths, Organs

In terms of the number of sounds that are available to you on these two pianos, the overall quantity of core sounds is higher on the FP-30X as it has 56 presets compared to 23 on the PX-S5000, plus you can also access the entire GMII with the Roland Piano App via wireless MIDI connectivity.

The range of non-acoustic piano tones such as electric pianos, synths, and organs is stronger overall on the FP-30X, plus the larger range of sounds is a nice benefit as well. This isn’t a huge surprise given that Roland’s e pianos and synthesizers are usually very tough to beat.

Speaker Comparison

When it comes to speakers, both pianos are utilizing a dual speaker system. The PX-S5000 has dual 8-watt built-in speakers, pointed out of the back of the piano. On the FP-30X, we’ve got two downward-facing 11-watt speakers for 22 watts of total amplifier power.

In terms of overall fullness and power, the FP-30X definitely has an advantage over the PX-S5000, and this is most apparent in the lower registers. When it comes to the high-end and overall clarity, the S5000 actually does a better job, and this could largely be attributed to the speaker position.

Keep in mind too that one of the reasons that Casio needed to keep the speakers from getting too big is because the S5000 offers the option to run on batteries, which is not available over on the FP-30X. The S5000 is also about 8lbs lighter which can be a pretty big deal to some people.

Sound Wrap-Up

To summarize our comparison of sound, we think it’s fair to say that the FP-30X is bringing more to the table for a professional player as an affordable stand-in for a stage piano than the PX-S5000 is.

On the other hand, the pianos are very different from one another, and for someone who will do most of their playing with the default grand piano patch and also happens to prefer the tone of the S5000, it’s probably a no-brainer to lean in that direction.

Casio PX-S5000 vs Roland FP30X - Digital Piano Action Comparison

Casio’s Smart Hybrid Hammer Action Keyboard

The actions on these two instruments do not feel the same, and yet they are both very nice to play. The key action on the PX-S5000 is the new Smart Hybrid Hammer Action Keyboard, which is an evolved action design that comes out of the more entry-level version that was introduced with the PX-S1000 and PX-S3000.

The S5000 feels very different from the S1100 as a result, and we get quite into the weeds on those specific differences in our comparison of those two pianos. Long story short, the Hybrid Hammer action features wooden sides, improved cushioning, and some tweaked weighting. The pivot length and sensor technology don’t appear to be different, but this is a quieter and overall superior action to play on.

Roland’s PHA-4 Standard Keyboard Action

The FP-30X features the PHA-4 action from Roland, and this is a popular hammer action used on various musical instruments from Roland throughout their lineup.

This action features escapement, a triple sensor, and textured white and black keytops. It takes a little bit more force to get the key in motion than it does to keep the key in motion, which sometimes people love, and many others don’t actually notice.

How do they Compare?

The PHA-4 offers a little bit more control, especially in the lower end. It also has a longer pivot length than the Hybrid Hammer Action meaning that it feels more uniform regardless of where you play the key. For more advanced players, the PHA-4 will feel closer to the natural feel of an acoustic piano than the Hybrid Hammer.

The Hybrid Hammer however is a little bit quieter mechanically than the PHA-4, and it also happens to be very responsive with a very solid repetition speed. The textures on the white keys feel pretty similar (ivory feel), whereas it’s slightly more exaggerated on the black keys of the Hybrid Hammer.

Action Wrap Up

For people who are already fairly advanced players with a good amount of acoustic piano experience, odds are they’ll feel more at home on the PHA-4. If your piano teacher has you learning on an acoustic piano, this would apply to you as well.

For people who are self-taught or not particularly focused on getting classical technique together, the acoustic piano consideration isn't all that relevant.

And if you like the S5000 otherwise, this is a very solid action that isn’t at all going to hold you back in any way.

Features/Connectivity

Connectors - Audio In/Out, USB & MIDI

From a connectivity standpoint, these two pianos are quite well-matched. Both pianos have dual 1/4” line output jacks (L/MONO, R) for connecting to external amps and mixers, USB Type A and B (flash drive and computer port), dual headphone outputs, as well as pedal outputs for a damper pedal and a second one for an optional 3-pedal unit.

Both pianos offer both Bluetooth MIDI and Bluetooth Audio, though, in the case of the S5000, it’s by virtue of the WU-BT10 adapter dongle that comes included at no cost. Simply plug the adaptor in your S5000 is now outfitted with Bluetooth.

Both companies have their own compatible apps for iOS and Android- the Casio Music Space App and the Roland Piano App (recently replaced the Roland Piano Every Day App) - so real-time wireless connectivity is very welcome. Of course, 3rd party apps like Garageband are fair game as well.

Additional Functions

Both pianos have a basic onboard MIDI recorder (MIDI files) and playback option, whereas the PX-S5000 is also capable of audio recording (WAV). That said, the FP-30X has a built-in USB audio interface so that’s a really nice feature for those looking for a production instrument.

Both pianos of course have built-in metronomes, transpose, twin piano, and other standard features like split and dual.

Accessories - Music Stands & Pedals

Both pianos come with a basic music stand (music rest for sheet music) at no extra charge as well as a sustain pedal, and of course, an owner’s manual. Both are also available with matching stands and triple pedal systems as well - the KSC-70 keyboard stand and KPD-70 pedalboard in the case of the FP-30X, and the CS-68 stand and SP-34 pedals in the case of the S5000.

Closing Thoughts

To wrap everything up, in comparing the Casio PX-S5000 vs Roland FP30X, we've got two instruments that in some ways compare well and in others are actually quite different in terms of their overall specs.

In fact, the Casio PX-S3100 might actually be a more apt comparison for the FP-30X as it’s more geared towards being a performance-based instrument like the 30X, while the S5000 is very much a piano-centric instrument that also happens to be one of the most portable digital pianos around.

As always, we’ll stress the importance of trying to get into a showroom to demo these pianos out against one another if you can rather than simply ordering from Amazon, though of course not everyone has this option.

Both pianos should also be considered against the Kawai ES-120 and Yamaha P-125, both of which are other great options for beginners and experienced musicians.

Thanks for reading!

The post Casio PX-S5000 vs Roland FP30X | Digital Piano Review & Comparison first appeared on Merriam Pianos

2359 Bristol Cir #200, Oakville, ON L6H 6P8

merriammusic.com

(905) 829–2020