I see Guitar Center has the YDP140 on sale for $949. Is the only difference with the 160 is a few more voice and bigger speakers. Is it really worth the extra $300? I would like the YDP223 but that is $600 more. I am buying it for a 8 yr old beginner. What do you think?

No, the major difference between the 140 and 160 is that the 140 uses "GHS" key action and the 160 uses "GH" keys. The most important thing about any digital piano is the feel of the key action.

The GH keys are Yamaha's better ones but I don't know if maybe the lighter GHS keys are best for a small child. (But on the other hand they don't sell special acoustic grand for children.) But then in just a few years 8 becomes 12. The normal advice is to try each and see which you like. But an 8 yr old beginners can't do that.

The 223 has larger speakers then either the 140 or 160 and the controls are much better, with buttons for most functions

Music123 has a 20% off deal and GC will price match (coupon code "DEALTAKE")

I'd go for the 160 or if you can swing it, the 223. Both of these have the better keys action (unless you are one of those who actually prefer the GHS yes on the 140 and the p85) With the 20% off you might be able to buy a model or two higher then you thought you could.

Either way, these are not lifetime investments, you'll be upgrading later in a few years.

Disclaimer: I'm a teacher who is NOT in the buy-the-best-piano-you-possibly-can school. I'm in the buy-an-OK-digital-not-a-keyboard-and-expect-to-upgrade-someday school.

At the music store where I teach one day each week, we've been using a YDP140 temporarily while the YDP223 awaits repair. I find the action toleralble but the speakers have very little power. OK for a small room and certainly acceptable for an 8 year old beginner. I do need to mention that the studio YDP140 is developing the same key noises that everyone dislikes in the Casio Privias.

I have not heard the YDP160 but according to the specs it has better speakers as well as better action. To me it really would be worth the extra $300.

As for the YDP223, I think it still sounds pretty good despite the single sample layer. I considered buying one myself but eventually chose the Kawai CE200 which is only $100 more than the YDP223 and has wooden keys.

If you want to stay under $1000, the Yamaha P85 with wooden stand and 3-pedal unit could be a good option. And many people are very happy with their Casio Privias.

Don't drive yourself crazy over this decision. A pretty good DP combined with an actively involved piano parent is the best recipe for success.

Like ChrisA mentions, there's a coupon at music123 that will get you 20% off which brings the price of the 160 down to 1079, i just checked to make sure it;'s still on. I wasn't able to get the dealtake code to work but the other coupon code they have this month did which is CCABIN.

Sounds like you're in the market for a console type piano, which the P85 that was mentioned isn't.

i would choose YDP160 over the other 2. considering its better GH action and more powerful speakers, $300 more is worth it. YDP223 has been around almost forever, even though it's pretty 'old' technically already. functionally YDP160 is the best of the 3. 223 has better cabinet built, which is about it that worths considering.

YDP-223, best sound.

Played both the 160 and the 223, bought the YDP 223. Don't bother too much about the one layer sample vs three layers samples...your ears will decide. By the way, even if officially the YDP 223 costs a bit more than the YDP 160, because it is an older model it shouldn't be too difficult to find a dealer that will sell it to you at the same price of the 160.
I bought mine at Guitar Center, brand new in the box: the sale price was 1,599.00.
I got it for 1,420.00.