Casio Privia PX-770 vs Yamaha Arius YDP-146
Quick Verdict
Both the Casio Privia PX-770 and Yamaha Arius YDP-146 score 82 overall, but they serve different buyers. Choose the Casio if key action is the priority: it has a three sensor scaled hammer action with textured keys and half damper support at the lowest Privia console price. Choose the Yamaha if piano sound, wireless connectivity, and lesson content matter more: it offers the CFX grand sample with damper and string resonance, Bluetooth audio and MIDI, 303 lesson songs, and a bench. The Yamaha's GHS action is less refined and its polyphony and speaker power are not published, while the Casio lacks Bluetooth and has modest 8 watt speakers. Match your priorities to the feature set.
| Spec | Casio Privia PX-770 | Yamaha Arius YDP-146 |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action | Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II | GHS (Graded Hammer Standard) |
| Sound Engine | Casio AiR | Yamaha CFX sample with damper and string resonance |
| Voices | 19 | 10 |
| Polyphony | 128 notes | Not published in listing |
| Speakers | 2 x 8 W | Built-in stereo |
| Bluetooth | No | Audio and MIDI |
| USB | USB to Host (MIDI) | USB to Host |
| Pedals | 3 pedals built in, half-damper | 3 pedals built in |
| Weight | 69.5 lb (31.5 kg) | Not published in listing |
| Form Factor | Slim console with sliding key cover | Upright console with bench |
Key Action
The Casio Privia PX-770 uses a Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II keyboard with three sensors per key and simulated ebony and ivory textures. This is a more advanced action than the Yamaha Arius YDP-146, which uses a GHS graded hammer standard action. GHS is Yamaha's entry-level weighted action and does not offer the same multi-sensor refinement or textured key surfaces.
The published key action scores support this difference. Casio earns 25 out of 30 points, while Yamaha earns 23 out of 30. The Casio's three-sensor system is designed to capture faster repeated notes and more subtle dynamic changes than a two-sensor design, though the Yamaha listing does not publish the number of sensors in GHS.
For a buyer who prioritizes key feel above all else, the Casio has the stronger specification. The Yamaha GHS action is reliable and widely used, but it is the entry point in the Arius range. If your playing includes rapid trills or advanced classical repertoire, the Casio's action is the safer choice on paper.
Piano Sound and Speakers
The Yamaha Arius YDP-146 is built around a CFX concert grand sample with damper resonance and string resonance. The Casio Privia PX-770 uses the Casio AiR sound engine, but the listing does not state whether it includes damper or string resonance. Yamaha scores 23 out of 25 for piano sound, while Casio scores 20 out of 25.
Casio gives the PX-770 two 8 watt speakers and 128 notes of polyphony. Yamaha's speaker power and polyphony are not published in the listing, which makes a direct amplifier comparison impossible from the supplied facts. Casio's 19 voices exceed Yamaha's 10 voices, but voice count is separate from the core piano tone.
For pure acoustic piano realism, the Yamaha's CFX sample with resonance details has the edge in the published scores. For raw volume or voice variety, the Casio's specified speaker wattage and higher voice count are useful, but the Yamaha's built-in stereo speakers are at least present even if their wattage is unknown.
Features and Modes
Both models earn 11 out of 15 for features, but they prioritize different things. Casio includes Concert Play recordings and a 60 song music library, plus a sliding key cover and three pedals with half damper support. Yamaha includes 303 lesson songs and 50 classics on board, plus Bluetooth audio and MIDI.
Yamaha's Bluetooth capability is a major differentiator because it allows wireless audio playback and MIDI connection without a cable. Casio has no Bluetooth and its USB connection is limited to MIDI only. Yamaha's lesson song library is substantially larger, which can help self learners and families.
Casio's Concert Play feature and 60 song library are useful for guided practice, but the Yamaha's 303 lesson songs and 50 classics offer more built in content. Neither model has USB audio recording from the published specs, though Yamaha's Bluetooth audio can stream audio into the instrument.
Build, Design and Portability
Both are furniture style console digital pianos intended to stay in one place, and both score 9 out of 10 for build and portability. The Casio Privia PX-770 has a slim cabinet with a sliding key cover and weighs 69.5 pounds, or 31.5 kilograms. The Yamaha Arius YDP-146 is an upright console, but its weight is not published in the listing.
The Casio's sliding key cover helps protect the keys from dust and is a practical design feature. Casio also specifies half damper support on its three built in pedals. Yamaha includes three built in pedals as well, but the listing does not mention half damper support or a key cover.
Yamaha includes a bench in the package, which is a meaningful accessory for a console piano. The Casio listing does not state whether a bench is included. For buyers who want a known weight and a slim design, Casio is easier to evaluate; for a complete furniture package out of the box, Yamaha includes the bench.
Connectivity
Yamaha Arius YDP-146 has both Bluetooth audio and Bluetooth MIDI, plus a USB to Host port. Casio Privia PX-770 has a USB to Host port for MIDI only, with no Bluetooth of any kind. This gives Yamaha a clear advantage in wireless connectivity, and the scores reflect that: Casio earns 6 out of 10, while Yamaha earns 9 out of 10.
With Bluetooth audio, a Yamaha owner can stream music from a phone or tablet through the piano's speakers and play along. Bluetooth MIDI allows wireless connection to piano apps and recording software. The Casio requires a USB cable for MIDI and cannot receive Bluetooth audio.
Neither model lists USB audio, so recording audio over USB is not an option on either according to the supplied facts. For cable free practice and app integration, the Yamaha is the stronger choice. The Casio covers basic MIDI over USB, which is enough for wired use but less flexible.
Setup and Accessories
The Casio Privia PX-770 has three built in pedals with half damper support and a sliding key cover. The Yamaha Arius YDP-146 has three built in pedals and includes a bench in the package. The Casio listing does not state whether a bench is included.
Both are console style instruments that will require some assembly, but the listings do not provide step by step instructions or assembly time. The Casio's 69.5 pound weight is known, which can help with planning delivery and setup. The Yamaha weight is not published, so buyers cannot compare the two directly on that metric.
Yamaha's included bench is a practical extra that many buyers would otherwise purchase separately. Casio's sliding key cover is an integrated convenience that keeps the keys clean. Both include three pedals, but only Casio explicitly states half damper support for the damper pedal.
Daily Use
For daily practice, the Casio's Tri Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II with simulated ebony and ivory keys is designed to feel more like an acoustic grand under the fingers. Its 128 note polyphony allows complex passages with sustained notes without premature note dropouts. The sliding key cover keeps the surface clean between sessions.
The Yamaha's CFX sample with damper and string resonance gives daily practice a rich, concert grand tone that responds to the pedal. Its 303 lesson songs and 50 classics provide structured material for routines, and Bluetooth audio lets players practice with backing tracks or recordings from a phone.
The Yamaha's GHS action is adequate for beginners and intermediate players, but advanced students may find it less nuanced than the Casio. The Yamaha's bench adds comfort during longer practice sessions, while the Casio's three sensor action may reduce frustration with fast repetitions. Both are quiet and suitable for home use with headphones, though neither listing specifies headphone jack count.
The Deciding Question
The central decision is whether key action or piano sound and wireless connectivity matters more. The Casio Privia PX-770 offers a three sensor action with textured keys and half damper support at the lowest Privia console price. The Yamaha Arius YDP-146 offers the CFX sound with damper and string resonance plus Bluetooth and a large lesson library at the lowest Arius price that includes those features.
Both overall scores are 82, but the breakdowns show different strengths. Casio leads in key action and value, while Yamaha leads in piano sound and connectivity. Build quality scores are equal, and features are tied, so the choice hinges on personal priorities.
If you are an adult learner or returning player who cares about touch, the Casio is compelling. If you want the best piano tone and modern wireless practice tools for a family, the Yamaha is the stronger package. Neither is a clear winner for everyone.
Who Should Buy Which
Choose the Casio Privia PX-770 if you want a three sensor action with simulated ebony and ivory keys, a slim cabinet with sliding key cover, and three pedals with half damper support. It is best for students who prioritize key feel and want a console at the lowest Privia price.
Choose the Yamaha Arius YDP-146 if you want the CFX concert grand sample with damper and string resonance, Bluetooth audio and MIDI, and a large on board lesson library. It is best for families and beginners who want a complete package with a bench and three pedals.
Avoid the Casio if you want stronger speakers, wireless Bluetooth, or a bench in the box. Avoid the Yamaha if you want a more refined action than GHS, confirmed polyphony, or a published speaker wattage. Match the instrument to your daily practice habits and long term goals.
Casio Privia PX-770
Pros
- Three-sensor action with simulated ebony and ivory keys
- Three built-in pedals with half-damper support
- Sliding key cover and slim cabinet
- Concert Play recordings and a 60-song music library
Cons
- Only 8 watts per side for a console
- No Bluetooth or USB audio
- 128-note polyphony trails the PX-870's 256
Yamaha Arius YDP-146
Pros
- 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
Cons
- GHS is the entry Yamaha action
- Polyphony and speaker power not stated on the listing
- Only ten voices
Who Should Buy Each
Casio Privia PX-770
- You want a furniture piano with a key cover for a living room
- Exam repertoire needs soft and sostenuto pedals
- You prefer a three-sensor action for accurate repetition
Yamaha Arius YDP-146
- 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
Quick Decision Guide
| If you want the most refined key action and do not need Bluetooth | Choose Casio Privia PX-770 |
| If you want the CFX piano sound with damper and string resonance | Choose Yamaha Arius YDP-146 |
| If you want wireless Bluetooth audio and MIDI for practice with apps | Choose Yamaha Arius YDP-146 |
| If you want a three sensor action with textured keys and a sliding key cover | Choose Casio Privia PX-770 |
| If you want a bench, three pedals, and over 300 lesson songs included | Choose Yamaha Arius YDP-146 |
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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