Digital Pianos Review
Yamaha Arius YDP-146 Review: CFX Sound and Bluetooth in the Mid Arius
The YDP-146 is the 2025 Arius that replaced the YDP-145, keeping the GHS action and adding Bluetooth audio and MIDI alongside the CFX concert grand sample with damper and string resonance, 303 lesson songs and a bench in the box. This review covers what the listing confirms, how it compares with the YDP-105 below and YDP-166 above, and where Roland and Korg consoles pull ahead on touch.
Our Verdict
Research Score 82/100The Yamaha Arius YDP-146 is the console to buy for the CFX sound and Bluetooth at the lowest Arius price that has both. It is a clear step over the YDP-105 and a complete package with three pedals and a bench. The GHS action is its limit against the Roland RP107 and Korg LP-380U, and the listing does not publish polyphony or speaker power, so touch-first buyers and advanced students should compare carefully or stretch to the YDP-166.
Editorial research score based on published specifications and documented features, not a customer rating or lab test.
Yamaha
Yamaha Arius YDP-146
Best for: Families who want the CFX sound, Bluetooth and a bench in an affordable Arius console
Skip it if: you want a more refined action or confirmed polyphony
Check Price on AmazonWe may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Listing verified: October 2026
Who Should Buy It
Buy it if
- You want Yamaha's flagship grand sample at the lowest console price
- Lesson apps over Bluetooth MIDI matter
- You want everything, including the bench, in one box
Skip it if
- Touch is the priority; the Roland RP107 and Korg LP-380U feel better
- You need a confirmed polyphony figure for advanced repertoire
- You want more than ten voices
Key Specifications
| Key Action | GHS (Graded Hammer Standard) |
| Sound Engine | Yamaha CFX sample with damper and string resonance |
| Voices | 10 |
| Polyphony | Not published in listing |
| Speakers | Built-in stereo |
| Bluetooth | Audio and MIDI |
| USB | USB to Host |
| Pedals | 3 pedals built in |
| Weight | Not published in listing |
| Form Factor | Upright console with bench |
What Changed From the YDP-145
Yamaha refreshed the Arius line in 2025 and the YDP-146 is the mid model. The listing confirms the GHS action, the CFX concert grand sample with both damper and string resonance, Bluetooth audio and MIDI, ten voices, dual headphone jacks, 303 lesson songs, 50 classical pieces, 10 demo songs, three pedals and a bench. Polyphony and speaker wattage are not published on the listing, so this review does not state them.
The headline change over the previous generation is Bluetooth. The YDP-145 connected over USB only; the YDP-146 streams audio and connects to apps wirelessly, which was the main reason buyers chose Roland or Casio consoles over the Arius at this price.
GHS Action
Graded Hammer Standard is Yamaha's entry action, shared with the P-45 and YDP-105. It is graded from bass to treble, plastic-topped and reliable, and it teaches proper finger technique. It is also lighter and less detailed than the Roland PHA-4 Standard in the RP107, the Korg RH3 in the LP-380U and the GrandTouch-E action Yamaha fits to the YDP-166 and YDP-S56. For a beginner through early intermediate level it is adequate; for a student aiming higher, the action is the reason to consider the alternatives.
CFX Sound and Lesson Content
The CFX concert grand sample is the same flagship tone Yamaha uses across its range, and on the YDP-146 it comes with damper resonance and string resonance, so held chords bloom and the pedal adds depth. Through headphones it is a clear step above the YDP-105's AWM sample. Nine further voices cover a second piano, electric pianos, organs, harpsichord, vibraphone and strings.
The built-in library is substantial: 303 lesson songs drawn from standard method books, 50 classical pieces and 10 demo songs, with the ability to mute a hand part and slow the tempo. Combined with Bluetooth MIDI to lesson apps, it is a strong practice package for a child.
Connectivity and Speakers
Bluetooth audio streams play-along music through the speakers and Bluetooth MIDI connects apps without a cable. USB to Host carries MIDI to a computer. Two headphone jacks on the front rail allow silent duets. The listing does not state the speaker wattage; Yamaha's mid Arius models have historically used modest speakers suited to a practice room, and buyers who need to fill a large living room should compare the Casio PX-870 and Korg LP-380U.
Assembly and the Bench
The YDP-146 ships as a keyboard unit, side panels, back board, pedal board and a bench, and assembles in about 45 minutes with two people. The key cover folds over the keys, the music rest is fixed, and finishes are black and rosewood. The bench is a fixed-height model; younger children may need a cushion.
YDP-146 Against the Alternatives
Against the YDP-105, the YDP-146 adds the CFX sample with resonance, Bluetooth and the lesson library for the same action, which is worth the difference for any family planning several years of lessons. Against the YDP-166, the step up buys the GrandTouch-E action and is the right choice for a student who will progress. Against the Roland RP107, the Roland's action, escapement and documented 256-note polyphony are better; the Yamaha has the CFX tone, the lesson library and a bench. Against the Korg LP-380U, the Korg's RH3 action and 2 x 22 W speakers beat the Yamaha, which answers with Bluetooth and the CFX sample.
The YDP-146 is the pick for sound, connectivity and completeness at its price; it is not the pick for touch.
Long-Term Fit
Families who want a console that covers a child's first several years of lessons, with a bench, three pedals, lesson content and apps, will be well served. Students who reach advanced repertoire will want a better action, and the YDP-166 or a Kawai CN201 are the natural next steps. The YDP-146's resale value, as a current Yamaha model, keeps that path affordable.
Strengths and Limitations
Strengths
- CFX concert grand sample with damper and string resonance
- Bluetooth audio and MIDI built in
- 303 lesson songs and 50 classics on board
- Bench and three pedals included
Limitations
- GHS is the entry Yamaha action
- Polyphony and speaker power not stated on the listing
- Only ten voices
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
Yamaha Arius YDP-166
Students who want a better action than GHS with Yamaha's CFX sound and Bluetooth in an Arius
Read the Yamaha Arius YDP-166 review →
Yamaha Arius YDP-105
Families who want a proper three-pedal upright for lessons without portable-piano clutter
Read the Yamaha Arius YDP-105 review →
Roland RP107
Students who want Roland's best entry action and Bluetooth in a three-pedal console
Read the Roland RP107 review →Head-to-Head Comparisons
Questions Buyers Ask
Yamaha Arius YDP-146
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.