Digital Pianos Review
Kawai CA701 Review: The Grand Feel III Console
The CA701 is the upper CA console: a wooden-key action Kawai specifies as Grand Feel III, 256-note polyphony, the Grand Feel Pedal System, onboard effects and built-in speakers in a concert-style cabinet. This review covers what the listing confirms, why Grand Feel III matters, and how the CA701 compares with the CA401 and the Yamaha and Casio flagships.
Our Verdict
Research Score 93/100The Kawai CA701 is the console to buy if you want the most authentic wooden action Kawai makes below its soundboard models, with 256-note polyphony and the Grand Feel pedals. It is a pianist's instrument with a pianist's price. The listing does not publish speaker power, Bluetooth or the voice count, so confirm those with Kawai; the CA401 is the documented, cheaper way into wooden keys.
Editorial research score based on published specifications and documented features, not a customer rating or lab test.
Kawai
Kawai CA701
Best for: Serious pianists who want Kawai's Grand Feel III wooden action and 256-note polyphony in a console
Skip it if: the CA401's Grand Feel Compact is enough and the budget matters
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Listing verified: October 2026
Who Should Buy It
Buy it if
- You want the longest wooden keys Kawai makes below the soundboard models
- 256-note polyphony and the Grand Feel pedals matter
- You practice on acoustic grands and want a console that feels like one
Skip it if
- You want documented speakers and Bluetooth on the listing
- The CA401 or CN301 covers your needs
- A bench matters
Key Specifications
| Key Action | Grade-weighted wooden-key hammer action; Kawai specifies Grand Feel III |
| Sound Engine | Kawai SK-EX sampling and rendering per Kawai |
| Voices | Not published in listing |
| Polyphony | 256 notes |
| Speakers | Built-in |
| Bluetooth | Not published in listing; Kawai specifies MIDI and audio |
| USB | USB to Host and Device |
| Pedals | 3 pedals, Grand Feel Pedal System |
| Weight | Not published in listing |
| Form Factor | Flagship-tier concert console |
The Upper CA
The CA701 listing confirms an 88-key digital piano with grade-weighted wooden-key hammer action, built-in speakers, the Grand Feel Pedal System, 256-note polyphony and onboard effects, in satin black. It does not name the action or the engine, and it does not publish the voice count, speaker wattage, Bluetooth or weight. Kawai's documentation specifies the Grand Feel III action and SK-EX sampling with rendering for the CA701; confirm those with Kawai before purchase.
Grand Feel III
Grand Feel III is Kawai's full-length wooden-key action: the longest keys in its consoles below the soundboard models, with a pivot far back for grand-like leverage, graded hammers, triple sensors, let-off, counterweights and Ivory Touch surfaces. It is a step above the Grand Feel Compact in the CA401 in key length and leverage, and it is the action pianists who practice on acoustic grands choose in a Kawai console. Against the Yamaha GrandTouch in the Clavinova CLP-785 and the Roland PHA-50 in the LX series, it is among the most authentic actions available in a home console.
Sound, Polyphony and Pedals
Kawai's SK-EX sampling across all 88 keys with rendering of resonance gives the CA701 a warm, detailed, expressive grand, and 256-note polyphony, confirmed on the listing, removes any ceiling. The Grand Feel Pedal System, also confirmed, grades the three pedals like a grand's. Onboard effects cover the non-piano sounds. The voice count and speaker wattage are not published on the listing.
Connectivity
USB to Host connects a computer and USB to Device records to a flash drive on Kawai's CA consoles. Bluetooth is not stated on the listing; Kawai specifies MIDI and audio. Two headphone jacks with Spatial Headphone Sound allow silent practice.
Cabinet and Assembly
The CA701 is a concert-style console with a sliding cover, assembled in about an hour with two people. Weight is not published; upper CA consoles exceed 150 pounds. No bench is mentioned on the listing.
Daily Use
A CA701 is played like an acoustic: open the cover and play, with the Grand Feel pedals and wooden keys doing what a grand's would. The Virtual Technician in the PianoRemote app voices the instrument to taste, Bluetooth streams play-along music and connects apps, and USB to Device records practice. Through its speakers it has the presence of a console at this level; on headphones with Spatial Headphone Sound it is a piano for long, quiet sessions.
CA701 Against the Alternatives
Against the CA401, the CA701 adds the Grand Feel III action, 256-note polyphony and a larger cabinet and speaker system for a substantial premium; the CA401 is the documented value entry to wooden keys. Against the Casio AP-750, the Casio has counterweighted hybrid keys, eight speakers and a bench at a lower price; the Kawai has true full-length wooden keys. Against the Yamaha Clavinova CLP-785 and Roland LX-6, which we have not reviewed, all three are flagship-tier home consoles with wooden or hybrid actions.
Buy the CA701 for the action; buy the CA401 for wooden keys on a budget.
Setup, Bench and Verification
The CA701 is a substantial console assembled by two people in about an hour, and it needs an adjustable bench, which the listing does not mention, and headphones with a quarter-inch plug. Before ordering, confirm the action name, the sound engine, speaker wattage and Bluetooth with Kawai's specification sheet; the listing confirms the wooden keys, 256-note polyphony, the Grand Feel Pedal System and onboard effects, which are the essentials, but a buyer at this price should see the full sheet.
Long-Term Fit
The CA701 is a lifetime console for a serious pianist, and its action will never be the reason to replace it. Kawai's rendering engine and Virtual Technician keep it current. It holds value well as an upper CA.
Strengths and Limitations
Strengths
- Wooden-key action with 256-note polyphony
- Grand Feel Pedal System confirmed
- Onboard effects and Kawai's concert grand sampling
- The CA console pianists aim for below the soundboard models
Limitations
- Voice count, speaker power and Bluetooth not stated on the listing
- Flagship-tier price
- No bench on the listing
How We Scored It
Scores reflect published specifications, documented features and value against the alternatives below. They are editorial research scores, not laboratory measurements.
Alternatives to Consider
Casio Celviano AP-750
Pianists who want Casio's best console action and sound system without stepping to the Grand Hybrid series
Read the Casio Celviano AP-750 review →
Kawai CN301
Pianists who want the CN201's action with more speaker power, a display and USB audio recording
Read the Kawai CN301 review →Questions Buyers Ask
Kawai CA701
See the current listing, price and included accessories.
About This Review
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.
Read our full research methodology.