Kawai CA Series Compared: CA401, CA501 and CA901
Three steps up Kawai's flagship wooden-key digital piano line. Here's exactly what changes at each level.
Every piano in Kawai's Concert Artist series uses real wooden keys — no plastic key actions here. The CA401, CA501 and CA901 all share that foundation, but the sound engine, speaker power and key action itself step up meaningfully at each tier. Here's the real difference between Kawai's entry wooden-key piano and its flagship.
What's Actually Different
Official specifications from Kawai
| Spec | CA401 | CA501 | CA901 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Key action | Grand Feel Compact | Grand Feel Compact | Grand Feel III |
| Sound engine | Progressive Harmonic Imaging | Harmonic Imaging XL | SK-EX Rendering + Harmonic Imaging XL |
| Number of sounds | 19 voices | 45 voices | 96 voices |
| Max polyphony | 192 notes | 256 notes | 256 notes |
| Speaker power | 40W (20W x 2) | 100W (50W x 2) | 135W (50W + 50W + 35W) |
| Display | OLED graphic | 128 x 64 pixel OLED | 5" LCD touchscreen |
| Key cover | Sliding type | Sliding type | Upright fallboard, Soft Fall system |
| Piano sounds | SK-EX-L, EX Concert Grand, K-60 Upright | SK-EX-L, SK-5 Chamber Grand, EX Concert Grand, K-60 Upright | SK-EX Competition Grand, SK-EX Concert Grand |
Choose the CA401 if...
- You want real wooden keys at the lowest entry point
- A compact sound library is fine — you're focused on piano, not extras
- Budget matters most
Choose the CA501 if...
- You want significantly more power and polyphony for the same action
- You'd use the extra 26 sounds and orchestral/ensemble voices
- You want the best value step-up without changing key action
Choose the CA901 if...
- You want Kawai's longest, most authentic key pivot (Grand Feel III)
- You want the flagship SK-EX Rendering sound engine
- You're a serious or professional player who will feel the difference
Our honest recommendation
The CA401 and CA501 share the exact same key action — the CA501's extra price buys you sound engine and speaker power, not touch. If touch is your priority and budget is tight, the CA401 already gives you Kawai's real wooden-key action. The jump that actually changes how the piano feels under your fingers is CA501 to CA901, where the key action itself changes to Grand Feel III.
Shop the CA Series
CA401W Digital Home Piano
White, with matching bench.
CA501R Digital Home Piano
Rosewood, with matching bench.
CA901B Flagship Digital Home Piano
Black, with matching bench.
Feel the Difference Yourself
The jump in key action from CA501 to CA901 is best felt in person. All three are set up at our Al Quoz showroom in Dubai.
Browse Kawai Digital Pianos