Advice on buying a CVP

[kesi]

Hi all,

I am new to the CVP user group, but already loving all the information that one can find here.

I am considering trading my yamaha p-80 in for either a CVP 305 or a CVP 307. I would be gratful for any advice you could provide on the differences between the two models. Are the differences merely "cosmetic" or is the CVP 307 a better piano and worth the extra cost?

Many thanks! :)

[elliottpd]

The biggest differences that I've noted are:
1. Cabinet styling.
CVP307 has 4 legs with speaker box underneath.
CVP305 has solid back and side panels.
2. Larger LCD screen.
CVP307 has 640 x 480 dot VGA color LCD screen.
CVP305 has 320 x 240 dot VGA color LCD screen.
3. Amplifier System
CVP307 has 60W x 2 + 20W x 2 amplifier / speaker system
CVP305 has 40W x 2 amplifier / speaker system
4. Voices\Styles
CVP307 has 338 Regular Voices\386 Accompaniment Styles
CVP305 has 261 Regular Voices\308 Accompaniment Styles
5. iAFC (Instrumental Active Field Control)
CVP307 has iAFC.
CVP305 does not have iAFC.
Description of iAFC from Yamaha website: "This sophisticated technology puts you and your performance center stage – creating a richer, warmer and more spacious sonic environment. Using built-in microphones, iAFC picks up the sound and combines it with the Clavinova's internal sound through the rear speakers, making automatic adjustments in real time to enhance the sound and match the acoustic characteristics of the room you're playing in."

[kesi]

Hi,

Thanks for the comparison. I found a music retailer here in London that stocks both the CVP 305 and 307 in his showroom so I am off to make the comparison "in person" :)

Will let anyone interested know what I find.

[ericho]

Hi

The speakersystems impotance is often underestimated.

Thru headphones they will sound the same.

Thru the speakersystem the 307 will sound a lot better, I mean BIG difference. IAFC even adds to that quality.

Eric

[Midi Magic]

Hi

What part of London are you from? If it is the SE then give Musicland of Downham / Bromley a look. They're very good.

[pumpkin_waltz]

Hello kesi--

How's it going with your shopping? I myself have the same dilemma, trying to decide between 305 and 307. 307 is like love at first sight--I really love the look of it.

Please update us with what you think of both models when you've had the chance to try them out...I've tried both and I'm honestly not quite sure about the difference in terms of sound. And forget about salesmen, they're clueless about the products anyway :mad:
I think the 307 does sound better, but I assume because I've read about the better sound system :rolleyes:
In term of keyboard, they both have the new GH3 keyboard which I think is generally better then the previous GH.

But of course these are all a matter of personal preferences...

Hope you'll post about the difference more, and let us know what you think!

:) :) :cool:

[kesi]

Hello Pumkin_Waltz,

Finally had chance to get to the music store (chappels on new Bond street in London) to play the CVP 305 and 307.

As another member commented through the headphones there is no difference but through the speakers really a big difference. I think that even without knowing the CVp 307 should be better one would hear the difference. I had my wife with me and she could definitely tell the difference.

Still not sure it justifies a price of about £1000 more.

While in the store I also tried the Yamaha GT20. It thought it was amazing. Like playing a real piano but with the opportunity to use headphones. Having been out of the piano market for long i did not realise one could get such realistic sounding and feeling digitals.

So now I am really confused.....again....:) Do I go for the CVP 307 with all the bells and whistles or the simplicity of the GT20 with its superior Piano action...

Will definitely have to go back!

Let me know how you get on.

[sablair]

To help me decide between the 305 and the 307, there were 3 major differences (besides price): The cabinet style (and looks), the sound (additional amp & speakers and ambiance system), and the LCD display (bigger, easier to read music, menus, etc).

I didn't want to get the 305 then keep wishing I has spent a little more money to get the top of the line 307 (except for the polished cabinet of the 309). So I ordered the 307 in mahogany, not the standard dark rosewood. A longer wait, but I expect to have this fine instrument in the living room where I'll be playing and looking at it for the next 20 years or so.

Money is like music....you can always make more.
So get exactly what you want :-)

Steve in California