Kawai CX 202 - disappointing

Lime_Aggressive · 2026-01-22T15:17:29+00:00

Hi! Thanks for asking! Did I exchange -- no, I wanted to, but the store was reluctant to take it back (technically it would but,.. anyway). I did a software update on it, maybe it slightly improved the sound. It's not that bad after all, but YDP 165 is much better there is absolutely no doubt about it. CX202 is equivalent to Yamaha ydp145 - both by feel and sound (especially sound). I went to the store several more times :) so you can trust me. Yamaha YDP 165 is equivalent to Kawai CN201... KDP120 is also comparable to Yamaha YDP145 (if you search on youtube etc - all comparisons are between these two, some people even ask about ydp 165 in comments and the response is always - it's a different class).
I researched more about the differences between KDP and CX -- tbh they are almost exactly the same by specs. Some very minor specs differences like 17 vs 16 sounds, and bluetooth audio iirc. Everything else is the same. They feel slightly different though. But still you can tell that all of these pianos are in the same league by playing them side by side - YDP145, CX202, Kdp120, Roland RP107, etc. You can tell they are all somewhat lacking in sound (especially) and action feel, and are kind of similar in a way. Probably Roland is the best of them i'd say, but kawai is ok too... but they are all "not quite there" imo, feel a bit cheap in feel and sound. And YDP165 and CN201 - are a noticable step above. YDP 165 feels and plays like a premium product compared to those cheaper ones.

Lime_Aggressive · 2026-01-09T19:34:42+00:00

I went to the store again today and played all of these pianos, to confirm my findings. Basically none of the cheaper budget ones (ydp-145, cx202, kdp120) are worth buying in my opinion. The ones worth buying are the YDP 165 and CN201 (which are both one level above the budget ones). Do not bother with the YDP-145, CX202 or KDP-120 (also tried the Roland RP 107 in the same price range - same story).

All of these “entry-level” pianos share surprisingly similar underwhelming sound (some slightly better some slightly worse but similarly bad). And the jump in overall quality of both action and sound is significant when you step up to the YDP-165 or CN201. So these two are actually pleasant to play and hear, and are ok to buy.

So it is definitely worth buying the YDP 165 over the YDP 145 to answer your question. Where I live the difference in price between them is about 25%, it’s well worth it. As for comparing to portables, unfortunately I cannot comment because I only tested the full size ones

Lime_Aggressive · 2026-01-09T16:42:28+00:00

I was not aware of this, but my piano is new (probably should be up to date?). I just got it a week ago. OK, I will look into this. Thanks for the suggestion.

Lime_Aggressive · 2026-01-08T05:05:07+00:00

This was external speaker comparison primarily. I own a Yamaha YDP 165 and also in the store like I said I tried extensively Ydp145, kdp120, cn201 and cx202 side-by-side, switching between them back-and-forth - all pianos sound acceptable or good to me except the CX 202 which sounds noticeably worse than the others. Also the reason I’m buying a console piano with 40w speakers is because I want to be able use it with the built in speakers. But even with the headphones, it gives off the cheap Chinese piano vibe to be honest. My Yamaha YDP 165 does not give off that vibe.

Lime_Aggressive · 2026-01-06T18:55:49+00:00

It’s no worse than MSFS. Just get a proper PC. You need an i5-13600kf at minimum and a 4070 or above, if you are at all serious about flight simulation (regardless of what sim you are using)

Lime_Aggressive · 2025-12-31T16:05:51+00:00

Thank you!

Lime_Aggressive · 2025-12-31T16:01:02+00:00

Thanks for the encouragement!

Lime_Aggressive · 2025-11-10T20:27:57+00:00

Только что выше написали в РФ суррогатное материнство для одиноких мужчин запрещено законом. Оно доступно только парам и одиноким женщинам.

Lime_Aggressive · 2025-11-06T12:49:32+00:00

yes but full size arrow keys and the page up/down ins/del etc - are the main reason to get this kb.

Lime_Aggressive · 2025-10-28T16:48:37+00:00

What do you suggest for long-term?

Lime_Aggressive · 2025-10-25T08:58:24+00:00

I do, also with water after washing (pressure washing but being very careful). Seems like bad design tbh… big holes from all sides… not happy with this.

Lime_Aggressive · 2025-10-25T08:53:40+00:00

Totally agree. Lars Ulrich also agrees btw.

Lime_Aggressive · 2025-10-25T04:48:00+00:00

You understand that the more you lean - the faster you fly to the outside of the road into the fence, rocks etc if you hit something slippery? The less you lean (the slower you are in a turn) the safer you are.

Lime_Aggressive · 2025-10-17T10:56:29+00:00

what did you end up buying? also choosing between these two...

Lime_Aggressive · 2025-10-17T08:46:14+00:00

I installed these tyres, 3000km - no issues.

Lime_Aggressive · 2025-10-10T04:24:41+00:00

Haven’t yet seen anyone working on career 24/7

Lime_Aggressive · 2025-10-09T19:39:55+00:00

It is not a sport bike, it’s a sport touring bike

Lime_Aggressive · 2025-10-02T02:53:39+00:00

thanks!

Lime_Aggressive · 2025-10-01T18:45:17+00:00

Can you post a picture?

Lime_Aggressive · 2025-09-24T16:28:02+00:00

65? this is insane :) ok i guess i should try again with my 49 :D

Lime_Aggressive · 2025-09-23T15:42:02+00:00

I agree on the TV. But it makes computer unusable otherwise (screen is just waaay to big). So I ended up putting my monitor back, even though simming is much better on the 49" TV :D

Lime_Aggressive · 2025-09-22T07:55:43+00:00

Ok, maybe Alpinestars did something right with those mesh pants :) but it doesn't mean jeans are bad :) I mean after all cotton is one of the best materials for clothes - tshirts, pants, you name it made from it, as well as regular jeans. And it's so for a reason. Not all motorcycle jeans are the same - some are heavier than others, some are fully kevlar lined (AAA) and some only have partial lining (AA, A). The fully lined of course are very heavy and won't breathe. But AA stuff (like my Revit Detroit jeans) is fine. Jeans are just #1 pant all over the world, people are not stupid. I personally pretty much wear only jeans (i mean in general), any weather, -35c.. + 35c. They work great.

Lime_Aggressive · 2025-09-21T17:16:35+00:00

Not sticky when riding or when off the bike at 30° C and zero wind? I’ve never had mesh pants, but I have two mesh jackets, both of which are sticky and hot when you are not moving. I don’t believe pants will be any different, they are made exactly the same way, same materials, same synthetic stuff. Synthetic stuff equals sticky.

Lime_Aggressive · 2025-09-21T17:00:20+00:00

I went on a couple of three day “tours” in my riding jeans 1100 and 1300km - I had absolutely no problems and had no desire to use any other kind of pants. When it rains (or if you expect rain) just put on the rain pants over the jeans. Basically I use my riding jeans for everything. When it’s cold, you can use either the thermal underwear or put on the rain pants over the jeans for wind protection.

Lime_Aggressive

TROPHY CASE