Yamaha Arius YDP-166 vs Roland F107
Quick Verdict
Choose the Yamaha Arius YDP-166 if you want the Yamaha CFX concert grand sound with damper and string resonance, plus a bench and large song library included. Choose the Roland F107 if you want the proven PHA-4 Standard action with escapement and Ivory Feel, known 256-note polyphony, and a slim modern cabinet. Both score 85 overall, but the Yamaha wins on sound and accessories while the Roland wins on action and design transparency. If you prioritize key feel and polyphony, pick Roland. If you prioritize piano tone and bundled extras, pick Yamaha.
| Spec | Yamaha Arius YDP-166 | Roland F107 |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action | GrandTouch-E | PHA-4 Standard with escapement and Ivory Feel |
| Sound Engine | Yamaha CFX sample with damper and string resonance | Roland SuperNATURAL Piano |
| Voices | Not published in listing | 15 |
| Polyphony | Not published in listing | 256 notes |
| Speakers | Built-in stereo | Built-in stereo |
| Bluetooth | Audio and MIDI | Audio and MIDI |
| USB | USB to Host | USB MIDI |
| Pedals | 3 pedals built in | 3 pedals built in, progressive damper |
| Weight | Not published in listing | Not published reliably; listing figure appears to include packaging |
| Form Factor | Upright console with bench | Slim modern console based on the F701 |
Key Action
The Yamaha YDP-166 uses a GrandTouch-E key action, which the listing describes as a clear step above the GHS action found in earlier Arius models. This action scored 26 out of 30 in the evaluation breakdown, a strong result but still behind the Roland F107. The GrandTouch-E is relatively new, and its short track record is listed as a con, meaning long term reliability is not yet as documented as some older actions. For a student upgrading from a basic keyboard, this action will feel significantly more piano-like.
The Roland F107 uses the PHA-4 Standard keyboard with escapement and Ivory Feel. This action scored 28 out of 30, the highest of the two. The escapement mechanism is included, which simulates the feel of a grand piano key letting off, and the Ivory Feel surface is designed to absorb moisture. The listing describes this as the best action in the entry console class, and the higher score reflects that reputation.
In direct comparison, the Roland F107 holds a measured advantage on the action score. The Yamaha action is newer and an upgrade for Yamaha buyers, but the Roland action has a longer established reputation and includes escapement as a specific feature. Both provide a weighted hammer feel suitable for practice, but the Roland's higher score and included escapement give it the edge for buyers who prioritize key action above all else.
Piano Sound and Speakers
The Yamaha YDP-166 uses the Yamaha CFX concert grand sample, and the listing specifically names damper resonance and string resonance as part of the sound engine. This sound engine scored 23 out of 25, a high mark. The inclusion of resonance modeling adds realism when the sustain pedal is used or when multiple notes interact, which is important for expressive playing. The Yamaha CFX is a well known concert grand, and the listing presents it as a central selling point.
The Roland F107 uses Roland SuperNATURAL Piano technology, which scored 21 out of 25. The listing does not detail specific resonance features for the F107, so we cannot compare resonance depth directly. The Roland sound is still well regarded, but the published breakdown gives a two point advantage to Yamaha on piano sound quality.
Both models have built-in stereo speakers, but neither listing publishes the speaker wattage or size. The Roland listing describes its speakers as modest, which suggests they may not fill a large room. The Yamaha listing does not describe speaker power at all, so a direct comparison on volume or projection is not possible from the supplied data. For buyers who value realistic resonance and the CFX character, the Yamaha has the edge on paper, but the actual listening experience may vary by room.
Features and Modes
The Yamaha YDP-166 includes a large song library, a bench, and three built-in pedals. The listing does not publish the number of voices or the polyphony, which are basic specifications that many buyers expect to see. The features score is 11 out of 15, indicating good but not top-tier functionality. The large song library is a practical extra for learners who want built-in pieces to practice, but without a voice count we cannot assess the tonal variety.
The Roland F107 has exactly 15 voices and 256-note polyphony, both clearly listed. It has three built-in pedals with a progressive damper pedal, meaning the damper response changes with pedal depth. It does not have a display, and 15 tones is a relatively small selection. The features score is 10 out of 15, slightly below Yamaha, but the Roland has an advantage in transparency.
The feature sets differ in transparency. Roland publishes its polyphony and voice count, while Yamaha does not. Yamaha includes a bench and a large song library, which are practical extras. Roland's progressive damper is a nice touch, but the lack of a display may make navigation less immediate compared to consoles that have screens. Neither model offers the larger voice counts or displays found in higher-priced consoles like the Yamaha YDP-184 or Roland F701.
Build, Design and Portability
The Yamaha YDP-166 is an upright console with a bench included. The listing does not publish the weight, so portability cannot be assessed from the supplied data. The build score is 9 out of 10, indicating solid construction typical of an Arius. The upright design is traditional and will fit under most standard windows or shelves, but it is not as slim as some modern alternatives. The bench adds to the overall footprint and may be a consideration for small rooms.
The Roland F107 is described as a slim modern console based on the F701. The F701's design won a Red Dot award, which the Roland listing references for the F107. The build score is 10 out of 10, the highest possible, so the cabinet is considered excellent. The listing says the weight figure appears to include packaging, and the product is described as heavy for a slim design, so it is not lightweight even if its depth is reduced.
In practice, both are stationary home instruments, not designed for frequent transport. The Roland's shallower cabinet may appeal to buyers with limited floor space, while the Yamaha's traditional console includes a bench that adds to footprint. Without a published weight for Yamaha, a direct portability comparison cannot be completed. The Roland has a clear design advantage for those who want a modern, award-inspired look.
Connectivity
The Yamaha YDP-166 includes Bluetooth audio and MIDI built in, plus a USB to Host port. Bluetooth audio allows streaming music through the piano's speakers, and Bluetooth MIDI enables wireless connection to apps or computers. The connectivity score is 9 out of 10, which is excellent for this class. The USB to Host port provides a wired option for computer connection.
The Roland F107 also includes Bluetooth audio and MIDI built in, plus USB MIDI. The listing says USB MIDI, which is typically a USB to Host connection for computer or mobile device use. The connectivity score is also 9 out of 10. Both models offer the same wireless convenience.
Connectivity is effectively identical between the two models. Both offer the modern convenience of Bluetooth audio for play-along and Bluetooth MIDI for wireless practice apps. Both have a USB port for wired MIDI, though neither listing mentions USB audio or USB storage. For most home users, these connection options cover common practice and learning scenarios without any clear advantage to either model.
Setup and Accessories
The Yamaha YDP-166 includes a bench, three built-in pedals, and a large song library, according to the listing. The bench is a meaningful addition because many digital pianos do not include seating. The three pedals are built into the console base, providing damper, soft, and sostenuto functions. The large song library is also included and may require no additional subscription or purchase.
The Roland F107 includes three built-in pedals with a progressive damper, which is a step up in realism for the damper pedal. The listing does not mention a bench, so buyers should assume no bench is included unless stated elsewhere. There is no mention of a song library or other bundled content, so the Roland is more bare-bones in terms of included accessories.
For out-of-box completeness, the Yamaha YDP-166 has an advantage because the bench and song library are explicitly listed. The Roland F107 has a better damper pedal implementation but may require a separate bench purchase. Neither listing mentions included headphones, stands, or other common accessories, so those are not compared. If you want to sit down and play immediately without extra purchases, the Yamaha is more complete.
Daily Use
On a daily basis, the key action will be the most noticeable difference. The Roland PHA-4 Standard action with escapement has a slightly higher score, so players who are sensitive to key feel may prefer the Roland. The Yamaha's GrandTouch-E is still a significant upgrade over entry-level Yamaha actions, so it will satisfy many learners, but the Roland's action is more proven and includes escapement for a more authentic grand piano feel.
The piano sound also shapes daily enjoyment. Yamaha's CFX with damper and string resonance may sound more alive, especially when playing with the sustain pedal. The Roland SuperNATURAL sound is still solid, but the published breakdown gives Yamaha the edge. Bluetooth audio on both means you can stream backing tracks or lessons easily, which is a daily convenience for practice sessions.
When it comes to adjusting settings, the Roland F107 has no display and only 15 tones, so choosing among sounds is simple but limited. The Yamaha has a large song library, which suggests built-in lessons or songs for practice, though the listing does not detail navigation. The lack of published polyphony for Yamaha is a daily use unknown: with complex pieces, lower polyphony could cut off notes, but without a number we cannot assess risk. For daily practice, the Roland's known 256-note polyphony provides peace of mind.
The Deciding Question
The central question between these two is: do you want the stronger piano sound and bundled extras of the Yamaha, or the stronger key action and transparent specifications of the Roland? Both models earned an overall score of 85, but they arrive there through different strengths. The Yamaha wins on piano sound and included bench and song library, while the Roland wins on key action and build design.
Another way to frame it: if you are a Yamaha loyalist or specifically want the CFX concert grand sample with resonance features, the YDP-166 is the better fit. If you have played PHA-4 keyboards before and know you like them, or you value the slim Red Dot inspired design and known polyphony, the F107 is the better fit. The decision comes down to which feature set aligns with your priorities.
The published data gives both models a similar value score of 7 out of 10, so neither is a clear runaway on paper. The decision hinges on which trade-off you accept: Yamaha asks you to trust the GrandTouch-E action and overlook missing specs, while Roland asks you to accept fewer tones and no display for proven action and known polyphony. If you can try both in person, that would be ideal, but based on the supplied facts, this trade-off defines the choice.
Who Should Buy Which
Buy the Yamaha Arius YDP-166 if you are a student or home player who wants a better action than GHS with the Yamaha CFX sound and Bluetooth. The included bench and large song library make this model a complete package for a traditional upright console setup. If you have lessons that use Yamaha-specific apps or you simply prefer the Yamaha piano tone, the YDP-166 is the safer choice. The action is a clear upgrade over the older YDP-146, so it is a good step up for Yamaha fans.
Buy the Roland F107 if you want the PHA-4 Standard action with escapement and Ivory Feel in the slimmest Roland console. The 256-note polyphony and Bluetooth audio and MIDI are strong points, and the progressive damper pedal adds realism. If you have limited floor space or appreciate the modern design derived from the F701, the F107 is the better option. The lack of a bench and fewer tones are trade-offs, but the core piano experience is excellent.
If you are still unsure, consider what you value most in daily practice. The action is the interface you touch every day, and the Roland leads there by two points. The sound is what you hear, and the Yamaha leads there by two points. Both are excellent entry-level consoles, and the right choice depends on personal priorities. For a first serious piano, either will serve well, but the Roland is more transparent and design-forward, while the Yamaha is more traditional and bundled.
Yamaha Arius YDP-166
Pros
- GrandTouch-E action, a clear step above GHS
- CFX concert grand with damper and string resonance
- Bluetooth audio and MIDI built in
- Bench, three pedals and a large song library included
Cons
- Polyphony, voice count and speaker power not stated on the listing
- Costs noticeably more than the YDP-146
- New action with a short track record
Roland F107
Pros
- PHA-4 Standard action in the slimmest Roland console
- Design derived from the Red Dot award-winning F701
- 256-note polyphony and Bluetooth audio and MIDI
- Three pedals with progressive damper
Cons
- Only 15 tones and no display
- Speakers are modest
- Heavy for a slim design
Who Should Buy Each
Yamaha Arius YDP-166
- The YDP-146's GHS action is not enough for your progress
- You want Bluetooth and the CFX sample in a console
- You want a bench and pedals in the box
Roland F107
- Your room needs a shallow, modern-looking console
- Touch matters and you want escapement in a console
- You use apps over Bluetooth MIDI
Quick Decision Guide
| If you want the most proven graded hammer action with escapement and Ivory Feel | Choose Roland F107 |
| If you want the Yamaha CFX concert grand sound with damper and string resonance | Choose Yamaha Arius YDP-166 |
| If you need known 256-note polyphony and a published voice count | Choose Roland F107 |
| If you want a bench and large song library included out of the box | Choose Yamaha Arius YDP-166 |
| If you prefer a slim modern cabinet derived from the award-winning F701 | Choose Roland F107 |
FAQ
About This Comparison
Mandrillis Team
The Mandrillis editorial team researches and compares audio and music gear using manufacturer documentation, verified specs and real buyer feedback, so you can make a confident purchase without wading through marketing claims.
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