Yamaha’s Arius series has long been a top choice for those seeking high-quality digital pianos on an entry-level budget. This success is likely to continue with the new generation, as the YDP-145, YDP-165, YDP-S35, and YDP-S55 continue to focus on playability, sound quality, and contemporary features.
The new Yamaha Arius models will be available from May 2022. While the line-up of this popular series remains unchanged, the prices have increased significantly. Previously, Yamaha Arius models were priced up to $1,000. In comparison, the new models—the YDP-145 and YDP-165 home pianos, as well as the S35 and S55 slim line counterparts—are now priced from around $1,099 to $1,799.
However, the sound and feel of the new models have been significantly improved, which justifies the higher price. After all, Yamaha’s Arius series is a direct offshoot of the Clavinova series. The latter caused a sensation with its last generation, which featured new piano sampling technology and keyboards.
Since the new models retain most of the features from the Arius series, reviews of the previous models should provide a helpful overview (see also: YDP-144 and YDP-164).
The YDP-145 and YDP-165 are designed as classic console-style digital pianos, while the YDP-S35 and YDP-S55 offer a more modern, streamlined look with their compact, slim design. The Yamaha Arius series is available in black, white, and rosewood. In addition, the YDP-165 and YDP-S35 are also available in a white ash finish.
All pianos come with classic home piano features including a triple pedal, music rack, and keyboard cover. In the YDP-145 and YDP-165 models, the keyboard cover slides out from inside the case, while the SlimLine pianos feature a hinged cover that also serves as a music rack. This is not only a practical but also a space-saving and stylish solution.
In addition to color options, there are several differences between the two model classes, including the keyboard, sound quality, weight, and, of course, the price. Regarding technical features, the Arius YDP-165 and YDP-S55, as well as the YDP-145 and YDP-S35, share many similarities.
All these instruments share a compact design, making them ideal for small spaces. The S models, in particular, even do without the traditional console structure, allowing them to fit in areas where a standard digital piano wouldn’t. With the keyboard cover closed, the surface can even double as a small desk.
The Graded Hammer 3 (GH3) keyboard with synthetic ivory and ebony keytops was a standout feature in the top pre-series models. The textured surfaces of the white and black keys create a comfortable and secure playing experience on both the YDP-165 and S55.
Moreover, the graded, weighted hammer action keeps the keys well-balanced. While the keys on the two smaller models do not feel quite as luxurious, the Graded Hammer Standard still allows for a balanced playing feel on the YDP-145 and S35.
The GH3 keyboard features a triple-sensor system that offers more precise control over touch sensitivity compared to the keyboards on the smaller Arius models. The latter’s “Grand Hammer Standard” dual-sensor action has been proven in many other successful Yamaha instruments. (e.g. P-45, MX88, MODX8).
Beginners are unlikely to notice much of a difference between the dual and triple sensor systems, as both transmit touch dynamics with precision. However, by improving sensitivity to key velocity, the triple sensor system offers an advantage in expressive playing, especially in note repetition and pianissimo.
All Yamaha Arius models feature 192-note polyphony – enough voices for even the most demanding piano pieces. The Yamaha CFX grand piano sound, which is also used in the current Clavinova series, provides exceptional sound quality. While it’s likely that the CFX sound has been slightly modified for the Arius series, you can still expect a rich and resonant piano sound.
There are two small but significant differences between the model classes: The YDP-165 and S55 offer a broader range of sound simulation features, including key-off effect, smooth release, damper resonance, and sympathetic resonance. In the Arius series, this technology is called Virtual Resonance Modeling Lite, or VRM lite for short. The smaller model, the YDP-144, omits only the Smooth Release technology, a difference that beginners will hardly notice. Advanced players will enjoy the expressive possibilities of the two larger models.
In general, you shouldn’t expect miracles from the speakers of smaller digital pianos. However, even the smaller Arius models produce impressive sound through their built-in speakers.
The sound of Arius pianos is more voluminous than you might expect from their compact size, thanks to the IAC feature. Intelligent Audio Control (IAC) is an adaptive control feature that adjusts speaker output at different volume levels.
When played through high-quality headphones, the piano sound is spacious and immersive, thanks to the Stereo optimization feature of Yamaha pianos. This technology electronically simulates the spatial sound typically produced by speakers
The minimalist control panels make it clear that they provide only the most basic level of convenience. Instead, the Smart Pianist app, available for free on Android and iOS devices, provides added convenience.
However, you can still use the buttons on the left side of the keyboard to control basic functions such as sound selection. For all other functions, the keyboard itself serves as the control interface, which can be quite challenging to navigate without the manual. While this is common in this price range, it’s simply not the most convenient solution.
Yamaha’s Smart Pianist app stands out among piano control apps and adds real value when combined with Arius pianos. Connect your tablet to the Arius piano via USB and you can easily control the instrument: select sounds, effects, layer and split combinations, and adjust the volume – all this works simply and intuitively. But Smart Pianist can do much more, such as playing songs from your music library and displaying sheet music or lead sheets.
Learn more about Yamaha Smart Pianist.
Another noteworthy aspect of the Smart Pianist app is its exceptional USB integration, which rivals that of even much more expensive digital pianos and represents the latest state of the art. Connected mobile devices are fully integrated with both MIDI and audio.
All you need is a USB cable. This applies not only to connecting with the Smart Pianist app but also to connecting with a music computer in general. Since Yamaha’s home pianos also function as MIDI keyboards, they can even send audio signals via USB to audio sequencers such as Steinberg Cubase or GarageBand.
Until the new models are released, the current Arius digital pianos are available at attractive prices. If you’re looking for a little more, the Yamaha Clavinova CLP-700 series is a great choice, as it’s positioned above the Arius in terms of price and performance. Here is an overview of the current Arius models.
Compared to its predecessor, the YDP-144, the piano sound and speaker system have seen significant improvements. The new CFX grand piano sound is now even more expressive, thanks to the latest Clavinova 700 Series. While the speaker system is less powerful than that of the larger YDP-165, it has been upgraded with the new Tone Escapement technology. All in all, a solid choice for beginners and entry-level players.
Pros and Cons
No compromises in terms of intonation and feel–in these crucial points, the current small Yamaha Arius YDP-145 is top of its class, and beginners as well as advanced players will enjoy this instrument for years to come.
The YDP-S35, the compact and technically identical counterpart to the YDP-145, has a more modern look with its slim design. It also offers some very practical features: The keyboard cover folds out to serve as a music stand, while the piano doubles as a small desk when the cover is closed.
Pros and Cons
The YDP-S35 is a chic and compact digital upright piano for beginners, to whom it offers one of the best keyboards in its instrument class and a grand piano sound of excellent quality.
The Yamaha YDP-165 is the top model of the Arius series in a classic home piano design. With its solid construction, it stands out as a high-quality instrument in its class. Thoughtful details – including music stand clips, felt strips behind the keys, aluminum trim on the keyboard cover, and a headphone hook – highlight the added features. The main differences between this model and the smaller YDP-145 concern the ebony-ivory keyboard and the more powerful speaker system, which gives the top model a noticeably fuller sound.
Pros and Cons
While this low-cost instrument has some limitations, its sound and playing characteristics can inspire beginners and advanced players alike.
Of course, the YDP-165 also has a compact counterpart. Again, the YDP-S55 is technically identical to the YDP-165 but has a more modern design. Compared to the YDP-S35, which has a similar design, the case of this model is slightly larger and the speaker system delivers a more powerful sound.
A small design detail: A front panel covers the YDP-S55’s speakers, which are mounted on the outside of the base. The S55 is available in black and white.
Pros and Cons
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.
YDP-S55 B Arius : 1.059,00 €
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