Should I buy CVP 505 or CVP 407?

[johnnycub]

I have been researching for over a month. Can't decide to accept a great deal on a new CVP 407 or get a new CVP 505? Can you help me decide. My price difference is about $1400.00. Thks in advance for taking the time to help!

[gUI_cvp]

Your choice is very difficult, and I had the same wondering a few weeks ago with the 3 following choices (quite the same price) :
- used 307
- new 405
- new 503

Finally I chose the 503 for the following reasons :
- better keyboard (ivory)
- quite as many sounds as the 405
- compatible with SFF Guitar Edition styles

I don't have Super Articulation sounds, I hope that I won't miss them !

In your case, I think the only big element in favor of the 407 is the amplification. It makes a big difference with the 2x40W of the 505. I heard (and played on) a 307, this is an excellent system. Try to listen them and compare.

If you choose the 505, you'll have the compatibility with SFF Guitar Edition styles (I bet that this will be a good point in the future, but who knows ?), and synthesis ivory keyboard (which is very good, but honestly not a killer point).

$1400 is not a detail, so maybe you can stick to the cheapest, and offer you some styles you really want on Yamaha web site ?

[johnnycub]

Thanks - Better heads prevail! Yes I did notice that the amplification was increased.

[dancaputi]

This seams to get asked every time a new series comes out...
I even remember myself considering a 107 vs. a 205

So here's my opinion:
205 vs. 107 = 107
305 vs. 207 = 207
405 vs. 307 = 307
and finally, without even seeing a 505:
505 vs. 407 = 407

I'd even "dare to compare" a 505 with a 107 ???

- Dan C.

[MikeyMike]

I'd even "dare to compare" a 505 with a 107 ???



Similarly, I preferred many aspects of my 107 to my 309.

Regards.

[parasailing]

Does any know if the CVP 505 have a vga output to a monitor? The screen is way too small and the only models in the 4 series that had this feature were the CVP 407 and CVP 409.

[MikeyMike]

Hi....take a look at page 99 of the manual.

CVP 509 and 505 have video out, but only the 509 has RGB D-socket.

Regards.

[Jaish]

accept a great deal on a new CVP 407 or get a new CVP 505? Can you help me decide. My price difference is about $1400.00. Thks in advance for taking the time to help!

If it helps you, I just couldn't justify spending thousands on a discontinued item. If it was much cheaper than what I was offered, I'd be posting in the CVP400-series forums, right now...but to me, it's still too much $$$. Even $1400 less is not a good enough incentive when you're STILL spending upwards of $5000 on something that has a direct replacement by a new generation.


505 vs. 407 = 407


Why? Any rationale? I ask as I am hoping the CVP505 or CVP509 is reasonably priced in Canada when it's released as I had my own reasons (namely price) by giving up an opportunity to buy a CVP405 or CVP409.

[anorganic]

OK i am solving same question as you 505 vs 407. But i litlle bit change it in last days to 505 vs 407 vs 509 (ordered from the cheapest one to the most expensive one).

And it looks for 407 because:
* 509 is too expensive i think and it's nice piano but...
left 505 and 407
* Keys are better for 407 than 505. i like natural wood for white keys
* polyphony 128+128 better for 407
* i think 505 has no rgb out for monitor - i cant find it, it has only video out
* i think 407 has better sound ;) it looks for me :)

One question for you guys what is SFF Guitar Edition styles. I cant find any info and you mentioned it as important feature.

[Jaish]

what is SFF Guitar Edition styles. I cant find any info and you mentioned it as important feature.

SFF =Style File Format

The Guitar Edition styles are guitar sound based styles. The new format allows for better transposition and control of these guitar styles.

[anorganic]

SFF =Style File Format

The Guitar Edition styles are guitar sound based styles. The new format allows for better transposition and control of these guitar styles.

I would like ask you on your opinion how good is this new format? It's something really worth? Otherwise i don't see any plus for 505 against 407.

[Huygens]

405 vs 505 = 405

I want the String Resonance of the CVP-405.

To me the 505 is a downgrade, made in manner to provoke people buy the most expensive CVP-509 in order to get the full features.

The Ivory key tops are overrated.

[anorganic]

405 vs 505 = 405

I want the String Resonance of the CVP-405.

To me the 505 is a downgrade, made in manner to provoke people buy the most expensive CVP-509 in order to get the full features.

The Ivory key tops are overrated.


I agree on the end i though only about 407 and 509. And because 407 is quite cheaper (i dont know exact price in our country but it seems that 509 will be about 40% more expensive than 407) i bought 407.

[Jaish]

The CVP-500 series are expected to sell for the around the same price as the CVP-400's sold for. However, if any dealers are selling the CVP-400's for less, it may be the demos that they want to get rid of to make way for the CVP-500's.

For example, at the time of this post (December 2009), Yamaha are giving a $500 rebate on the CVP-409 (and $300-$100 on other CVp-400 series models). So, using the CVP-409PE as an example, it is still MSRP $10,500 and selling in all local stores for $7950. So, you'll pay $7450 in the end.

The CVP-509PE is MSRP$10,500 as well, and retails for $8,000 in the stores and no rebate. Some stores may have a "sticker" price of $9,000 but that's just padding - unless of course they get people in who just plonk down the full price.

I don't know the other prices, but I am sure they are proportionately the same.

[yamacvp_player]

405 vs 505 = 405

I want the String Resonance of the CVP-405.

To me the 505 is a downgrade, made in manner to provoke people buy the most expensive CVP-509 in order to get the full features.

The Ivory key tops are overrated.I agree about the string resonance. I wish it was on the 505. However - I prefer the 505 as it has the "newly introduced" (Yamaha's words) CF111s Concert grand piano samples. And it is true - the piano sound is FAR superior to the 400 series - I tried them all out. I agree its a bit of a compromise...I couldn't afford the 509 either..just too expensive. The grandpiano 1 sound on the 505 is lush and beautiful and full of tonal colour.
Personally I really prefer the Ivory-like keytops 100%. My fingers seemed to stick to the plastic keys on the 405. The 505 is a real pleasure to play. I hope my experience and ideas are of help. Good luck with your decision!