Yamaha Arius YDP-105 Review

Do you want a realistic piano-playing experience without breaking the bank? Look no further than the Yamaha Arius YDP-105.

Its GHS (Graded Hammer Standard) action and AWM (Advanced Wave Memory) stereo sampling give you a playing experience that mimics that of an acoustic piano.

Plus, the USB and MIDI connectivity make it easy to connect your digital piano to other devices.

Hear the music come alive with this incredible digital piano!

Key Takeaways

  • Score remains the same as the YDP-103
  • Upgrades are not in desired areas, but still worth the extra money for first-time buyers
  • Very beginner-friendly and great value for money
  • Disappointed by the lack of built-in recorder

Sound Quality

You’ll find that the Yamaha Arius YDP-105 offers a detailed grand piano voice with depth and a lovely tone, thanks to its AWM sampling technology.

It also has ten different sounds, including electric pianos and organs, giving you plenty of tone variations to choose from.

Despite this, the piano’s 64-note polyphony is a bit limited when compared to other models in its price range, which could be a downside for more advanced players.

Still, it’s a great option for beginners who are looking for a realistic piano sound and experience.

Built-in Speakers

The YDP-105 features the same speaker system as the YDP-103: a pair of 4.7 speakers powered by two 6 W amplifiers. Surprisingly, the sound that’s produced is quite crisp given the size of the speakers. Unfortunately, the power of the speakers isn’t enough to project sound well in large halls, but it’s more than adequate for the average student.

The speaker system is a definite positive when it comes to the YDP-105, as it offers a good balance of sound quality and affordability. When compared to other entry-level models, the YDP-105’s speaker system holds its own in terms of sound projection and clarity.

Keyboard Feel

Featuring Yamaha’s GHS keyboard (Graded Hammer Standard), the YDP-105 provides a matte black keytop to help absorb moisture for a more realistic piano feel. Its key action is graded and offers a good level of touch sensitivity for beginners. There are no significant improvements over the YDP-103 in this department, but the keys are still a good start for those just starting out.

The weight of the keys is on the light side, but still provides a good response. The matte black keytops help keep moisture away and give the keys a more pleasant feel. Overall, the keyboard feel of the YDP-105 is good for an entry-level option, but may disappoint those looking for a more realistic piano experience.

Features and Connectivity

With its 88-key weighted keyboard, USB connectivity, and MIDI connectivity, the Yamaha Arius YDP-105 is packed with plenty of features and connectivity options. It features the Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action, allowing for an authentic piano playing experience.

It also includes Advanced Wave Memory (AWM) stereo sampling for a high-quality sound and dual mode for layering two different sounds. The USB-to-Host port allows you to connect to computers or mobile devices, while the MIDI connection enables integration with other MIDI devices.

Headphone jacks and an AUX line input provide further options for private practice or connecting to external audio sources. Additionally, the YDP-105 is compatible with Yamaha’s Smart Pianist app, allowing for extra features and control.

With all these features, the YDP-105 is a great entry-level choice for budding pianists.

Overall Review

Overall, the Yamaha Arius YDP-105 is a great choice for first-time buyers. It offers good value for money and a beginner-friendly interface. The sound quality is impressive, with detailed grand piano voices and 10 sounds in total.

The 64-note polyphony could be better, but it’s still a decent choice. The built-in speakers are the same as the YDP-103, and the GHS keyboard provides an authentic experience. Connectivity is good, with USB, MIDI, and AUX ports available. The Yamaha Smart Pianist app adds extra features.

The pros of the YDP-105 include great sound, looks, and value for money. On the other hand, the cons include a lack of a built-in recorder and no increase in polyphony.

All in all, the YDP-105 is a great beginner piano at a great price.

Verdict

Generally speaking, the Yamaha Arius YDP-105 is a great choice for first-time buyers, offering a beginner-friendly experience as well as good value for money.

Pros include its grand piano tones, AWM sampling technology, 64-note polyphony, and the same speaker system as the YDP-103.

However, it does lack a built-in recorder and its keyboard feel isn’t significantly improved from the YDP-103. Additionally, its polyphony count of 64-notes is lower than desired.

Despite these cons, the YDP-105 still offers good value for money and is a great choice for beginners looking for an entry-level piano.

Conclusion

Overall, the Yamaha Arius YDP-105 is an excellent entry-level digital piano that won’t break the bank.

With its advanced wave memory stereo sampling, GHS graded hammer standard action, and various connectivity options, it’s a great choice for beginners looking for a realistic, quality sound.

So if you’re searching for a great sounding piano without spending a fortune, the YDP-105 is definitely worth considering.

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