Yamaha YDP-145 vs Yamaha YDP-165 – Best Arius Piano?
Are you torn between the Yamaha YDP-145 and Yamaha YDP-165 digital pianos? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll take a closer look between the Yamaha YDP-145 vs Yamaha YDP-165, comparing their features, performance, and suitability for different players. Let’s embark on a musical journey to find your perfect match.
| PHOTO | PIANO |
|---|---|
 | Yamaha YDP-145 |
 | Yamaha YDP-S55 |
 | Yamaha YDP-165 |
 | Yamaha YDP-105 |
 | Yamaha YDP 184 |
Yamaha YDP-145 vs Yamaha YDP-165 (TLDR)
After a thorough comparison, the Yamaha YDP-165 emerges as the top choice between the Yamaha YDP-145 and Yamaha YDP-165. The YDP-165 offers enhanced sound quality, advanced functionalities, and improved stability, making it suitable for intermediate to advanced players and gigging musicians.
While the Yamaha YDP-145 is a more affordable option with user-friendly features, the YDP-165 provides a superior playing experience with its rich sound and expanded capabilities.
| BEST SELLERS |
|---|
| 1) Casio PX-770 |
| 2) Yamaha YDP-145 |
| 3) Roland RP-701 |
| 4) Yamaha YDP-165 |
| 5) Casio PX-870 |
Price
When comparing the prices of the Yamaha YDP-145 and Yamaha YDP-165, there is a notable difference in their price points. The Yamaha YDP-145 is typically priced around $1,299, making it the cheaper option for those on a tight budget.
On the other hand, the Yamaha YDP-165 is priced around $1,799, positioning it at a more premium range with added features and advancements. While the YDP-165 comes with a higher price tag, it justifies its cost mostly through its enhanced key action (Graded Hammer 3) and sound quality (bigger amplifiers than the YDP-145).
- You May Also Like: Yamaha YDP-145 review
Size
The Yamaha YDP-145 and Yamaha YDP-165 share the same dimensions. With a width of 53.4 inches, depth of 16.6 inches, and height of 32.1 inches, they have a similar physical size.
In comparison with the YDP-145, which weighs about 83.6 lbs, the YDP-165 weighs approximately 92.6 lbs. When it comes to portability, the weight difference between the two pianos may be a factor to consider. Moving around the YDP-145 may be a bit easier because it’s not quite as heavy as the YDP-165. Either way, you’re going to want to have at least two people present to push either piano from one side of the room to the other.
| PHOTO | PIANO |
|---|---|
| Yamaha YDP-145 |
| Yamaha YDP-S55 |
| Yamaha YDP-165 |
| Yamaha YDP-105 |
| Yamaha YDP 184 |
Specs At A Glance
Yamaha YDP-145
- Width: 53.4 inches
- Depth: 16.6 inches
- Height: 32.1 inches
- Weight: Approximately 83.6 lbs
Yamaha YDP-165
- Width: 53.4 inches
- Depth: 16.6 inches
- Height: 32.1 inches
- Weight: Approximately 92.6 lbs
As you can see, outside of the weight differences, the YDP-145 and YDP-165 share many of the same baseline specs in regards to dimensions.
- You May Also Like: Yamaha YDP-145 vs Yamaha YDP-S55
Key Action
The Yamaha YDP-145 and Yamaha YDP-165 showcase impressive key action mechanisms that enhance the overall playing experience. However, it’s here where the differences between these pianos begins to show (and why they cost different amounts of money).
For starters, the Yamaha YDP-145 boasts Graded Hammer Standard key action. This is pretty standard (pun intended) action on most Yamaha digital pianos actually. It’s a good action, but not considered a premium or elite action.
Conversely, the Yamaha YDP-165 is rocking Graded Hammer 3 (GH3) action. Now this is worth getting a little excited over. This is an action that’s really meant to reproduce the touch and feel of an acoustic piano. Compared with the GHS action, you’re really going to be able to feel the weight of a key when depressed a second time (when enjoying GH3 action).
I think both actions are going to provide you with an excellent playing experience. However, if you’re looking for the best key action, you’ll want to go with Graded Hammer 3 (which is found in the Yamaha YDP-165).
What Is Yamaha’s Graded Hammer Standard (GHS)?
With graded hammer action, the keys offer a heavier touch in the lower register and become lighter as you move up the keyboard. This mimics the natural weight distribution of acoustic piano keys.
Players can also control volume and dynamics based on their playing intensity with both models’ touch sensitivity. While the YDP-165 may provide a slightly enhanced key action experience in terms of realism and sensitivity, the choice ultimately depends on personal preference and individual playing style.
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Sound
In terms of sound quality, when comparing Yamaha YDP-145 vs Yamaha YDP-165, they both excel. The Yamaha YDP-145 and Yamaha YDP-165 digital pianos utilize Yamaha’s advanced sound system technology to deliver high-quality and immersive piano sounds.
The YDP-145 is equipped with Yamaha’s Advanced Wave Memory (AWM) stereo sampling technology. This technology captures the sound of an acoustic piano meticulously, using digital recordings of actual piano notes. The result is a rich and authentic piano sound that resonates with clarity and depth.
In contrast, the YDP-165 integrates Yamaha’s Pure CF Sound Engine, which is renowned for its exceptional performance. This sound engine is based on the renowned Yamaha CFIIIS concert grand piano, which is widely acclaimed for its exceptional sound quality. The Pure CF Sound Engine meticulously reproduces the nuances and tonal characteristics of the CFIIIS piano, delivering a captivating and expressive piano sound experience.
Both pianos feature powerful amplification systems that accurately reproduce the nuances of the piano sounds. The sound systems are designed to deliver clear and balanced audio, ensuring that every note is faithfully reproduced.
| PHOTO | PIANO |
|---|---|
| Yamaha YDP-145 |
| Yamaha YDP-S55 |
| Yamaha YDP-165 |
| Yamaha YDP-105 |
| Yamaha YDP 184 |
- You May Also Like: Yamaha YDP-165 vs Kawai KDP-120
Notable Differences in Features
When comparing the notable features of the Yamaha YDP-145 and Yamaha YDP-165, it’s evident that both digital pianos offer a range of impressive functionalities. Here is a breakdown of some of my favorite features built into each piano:
Yamaha YDP-145
- Built-in Voices: 10 built in voices
Hammer Action: Graded Hammer Standard—solid key action - Polyphony: 192 notes
- Recording Capabilities: Data capacity for recording is about 100 KB/Song (roughly 11,000 notes)
- Speakers: 12 cm x 2
- Amplifiers: 8 W x 2
Yamaha YDP-165
- Expanded Voices: 10 built in voices
- Hammer Action: Graded Hammer 3—a more premium key action!
- Polyphony: 192 notes
- Recording Capabilities: Data capacity for recording is about 150 KB/Song (about 11,000 notes)
- Speakers: 12 cm x 2
- Amplifiers: 20 W x 2 (much stronger sound being emitted from the YDP-165’s speakers)
By comparing these features, it becomes clear that the Yamaha YDP-165 builds upon the capabilities of the YDP-145 with expanded voices, enhanced effects, advanced recording capabilities, extended connectivity options, and advanced educational features. However, both pianos offer a range of functionalities that enhance the playing experience and cater to different musical needs.
Smart Pianist App
The Smart Pianist app is an invaluable learning tool developed by Yamaha for their digital pianos, including the Yamaha YDP-145 and Yamaha YDP-165. With the app, you can connect your piano to your smartphone or tablet and access a range of features. The app offers an interactive sheet music display that syncs with your piano keys, making learning new songs easier.
It also provides practice modes like a metronome, chord analyzer, and recording function to improve your playing skills. The app also offers a vast library of songs and accompaniment tracks, allowing you to explore different musical genres. It’s like having a virtual music tutor that enhances your learning experience and helps you grow as a pianist.
Ideal Piano for Different Players
Choosing the ideal piano between the Yamaha YDP-145 and Yamaha YDP-165 depends on the player’s skill level and needs:
- For beginners, both pianos offer user-friendly interfaces and educational features like a metronome and recording capabilities to aid in learning.
- Intermediate players will appreciate the advanced functionalities, realistic key action, and expanded tonal range that allow for greater expression.
- Advanced pianists may prefer the Yamaha YDP-165 for its enhanced sound quality, nuanced responsiveness, and refined key action.
When considering gigging musicians, the Yamaha YDP-145’s compact design makes it suitable for stationary use in a home or studio setting. Meanwhile, the Yamaha YDP-165, though slightly heavier, offers similar dimensions with improved stability during performances. Its sound versatility and connectivity options make it well-suited for seamless integration with other audio equipment, catering to the needs of gigging musicians.
Wrapping It Up
If you’re still wondering whether you like the Yamaha YDP-145 or Yamaha YDP-165, I believe the choice is quite clear: the Yamaha YDP-165 is the best console digital piano between these two options. While both pianos have their strengths, the YDP-165 has a better key action (Graded Hammer 3) and bigger amplifiers built into its speakers, allowing you to play your piano at larger venues without the worry that some people in attendance won’t be able to hear your music.
If you can stomach paying a bit of a higher price (the YDP-165 is approximately $500 more than the YDP-145), you’ll likely be far more satisfied in the long run.
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This article was written by Samantha and edited by Michael.
