The Yamaha CFX grand piano sound, originally from the Clavinova series, is also featured in the latest Arius S models. Of the two slim-size pianos, the Yamaha Arius YDP-S55 offers more advanced features.
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Pros and Cons
The Yamaha CFX grand piano sound, originally from the Clavinova series, is also featured in the latest Arius S models. Of the two slim-size pianos, the Yamaha Arius YDP-S55 offers more advanced features.
Technically, the S55 is a slimmer version of Yamaha’s simultaneously released Yamaha Arius YDP-165. Weighing in at 40 kilograms, the YDP-S55 is very similar to its predecessor, the S54, and is available in both black and white.
The “S-Class” design features a proper piano lid that creates a completely flat surface when closed. The wooden supports on the sides of the stand also lack footboards. Overall, this design results in slightly smaller dimensions compared to models such as the YDP-165, which resembles a grand piano with its fixed music stand.
This makes the S model particularly interesting if you want it to take up as little space as possible in a room – it’s compact instead of bulky. After all, a wall-mounted S55 extends four centimeters less into the room than a 165. Others may simply prefer the more modern-looking S design.
For its price, the Yamaha YDP-S55 makes a high-quality impression, particularly with its solid wooden piano cover. It opens smoothly and features an integrated fold-down music stand, just like on an acoustic piano.
The YDP-S55 shares its ten sounds and all its functions with the YDP-165. As a result, the S-model also remains focused on the essentials as a home piano.
Its main sound, the “CFX Grand”, comes from the more expensive Clavinova 700 series. This sound provides a very realistic, full stereo grand piano experience with excellent dynamics and natural decay. Here, string, damper, and cabinet resonances are created using Virtual Resonance Modeling (VRM). The only difference to the Clavinovas is that you cannot adjust the VRM parameters.
One notable sound feature is “Smooth Release”, which adjusts the sound’s decay based on whether you strike a key firmly and release it quickly, or play softly and lift your finger gently. This effect is sometimes called “key-off” on other pianos.
Two additional grand piano variations, “Mellow” and “Pop Grand,” offer alternatives suited to different playing styles, from classical to pop. The seven remaining sounds include electric pianos from the Fender Rhodes and DX7, an authentic harpsichord with release samples, a beautiful tremolo vibraphone, well-rendered church and Hammond organs, and realistic stereo strings.
The lack of a double bass sound is hardly a problem, as the S55 does not have a split function. However, you can easily create layered sounds by combining two different sounds. Additionally, the S55 offers a high polyphony of 192 voices and includes a reverb effect with four settings, ranging from “Club” to “Concert Hall.
The Graded Hammer 3 (GH3) keyboard is the highlight of the Arius Series, allowing you to play the CFX Grand sound with remarkable clarity and precision. Key features include a substantially weighted action with four progressive gradations across the keyboard range, advanced triple sensor technology for improved repetition sensitivity, and a distinctly textured ivory/ebony finish on the white and black keys. This keyboard is already known from the S54 model, but you’ll also find it in the newer YDP-165. In addition, it still features the three adjustable dynamic curves, allowing you to tailor the touch response to your personal playing style.
Like its predecessor, the internal speaker system of the YDP-S55 features a pair of 20-watt, 5-inch speakers, the same specifications as those on the YDP-165. In terms of volume, the YDP-S55 holds its own against the 165. However, I found the overall sound to be slightly different: While it’s not as full in the lower frequencies as the 165, it has a bit more clarity. The placement of the speakers might also contribute to this difference.
On the S models, the speakers are built into a plastic substructure instead of the cabinet. For a more elegant appearance, the S55 has a front panel that hides this substructure. In contrast, Yamaha did not include this panel on the smaller YDP-S35 model.
The lesson section has received a significant upgrade compared to the previous model. In addition to the 50 “Piano Classics” pieces (with accompanying music book), all current Arius models now feature 303 built-in lesson songs, including piano etudes by Burgmüller, Czerny, and others. While you can select and play these songs directly on the piano using the existing controls, this process can be rather cumbersome. Without a display and function buttons, you must rely on the piano keys for control.
Fortunately, Yamaha offers the free Smart Pianist app for Android tablets and iPads. To practice along with the lesson songs, simply use the app to play them back on your tablet. You can also play audio tracks from your mobile device through the piano’s speakers and use the chord recognition function for your audio material.
A two-track MIDI recorder allows you to record your own performance directly on the S55, although it only offers a single song memory. When using the app, however, you can save recordings directly to your mobile device, even in WAV format if desired.
The app is especially valuable for its integrated remote control function. This allows you to control all functions of the YDP-S55 (Piano Remote) directly from your tablet using intuitive graphical controls. You can also save an unlimited number of layered sounds as ‘registrations’.
However, Smart Pianist is more than just a piano controller. A powerful practice tool, it offers features such as playback-synchronized notation display and automatic lead-sheet generation.
While Bluetooth is almost standard in the price range of the Yamaha YDP-S55, it is not included in the Arius series. Instead, you use the USB-to-host port to connect mobile devices and computers. A notable feature of the Arius series is its USB Audio/MIDI function, which allows you to easily integrate external devices into the piano’s audio system using a USB cable—a rare advantage in entry-level digital pianos.
Learn more in the article Connecting an iPad to a Digital Piano on PIANOO.com.
YDP-S55 vs. YDP-165: The choice between the YDP-165 and the YDP-S55 ultimately comes down to looks: These two pianos are identical in technology and functionality. The only difference is that the YDP-165 has an additional headphone jack that the S model lacks. While the speaker design is different, this does not really affect the sound. The slim design of the S55 could make all the difference if you are looking for a piano that takes up as little space as possible.
Arius YDP-S55 vs. YDP-S35: The more affordable and even more compact YDP-S35 is also an option, saving you around 300 Euros. However, it also offers fewer features: The S35 features the Graded Hammer Standard keyboard, which is solid but lacks coated keys and a third sensor. Its sound system is less full-bodied due to lower amplifier power, and the front panel has been omitted for a slimmer look.
With the Arius YDP-S55, Yamaha once again offers a stylish, slim piano that emphasizes the core qualities of a home piano. The high-quality keyboard allows for expressive playing of the near-perfect grand piano, supported by a playback system that delivers powerful and clear sound. The price/performance ratio is just right, making this a quality product in its class.
Compared to the previous model, the YDP-S55 now features a grand piano sound comparable to that of a Clavinova and includes a range of MIDI etudes. The well-designed app connectivity is also a notable improvement. Along with other Yamaha instruments, you can expect the YDP-S55 to benefit from future updates to this software.
Pros and Cons
Henrik Bruns
Compared to the previous model, the YDP-S55 now features a grand piano sound comparable to that of a Clavinova and includes a range of MIDI etudes. The well-designed app connectivity is also a notable improvement.
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