What is changed in new MP6?
I refer mainly to the sounds of acoustic piano and electric.

The KAWAI's brochure states:

“…updated sound technology Progressive Harmonic Imaging™ PHI,
(what is this?... a new really technology or an attractive label for buyers ? )

As with its larger cousin, the MP6 features brand new acoustic and electric
pianos that underscore a host of tonal improvements throughout the entire
soundset.
The beautiful sound of the EX grand piano is at the heart of
the new MPs, with all eighty-eight keys of this world-class
instrument painstakingly recorded, analysed, and reproduced
as high-fidelity digital waveforms.
Recording each key individually in this way – as opposed to
stretching the same tone over several different notes –

(it is true only for a sample of acustic piano ... only one, for all other sound is false)

ensures that the rich harmonic character of the original EX grand piano
is preserved, and guarantees that the sound heard when
playing one of the MPs’ keys is a faithful representation of the
acoustic source.”

ATTENTION - IMPORTANT
Section Acoustic Piano
I noticed only one sample of new acoustic piano:
Grand Concert in the variant Studio , Mellow, Jazz (bottons 1-1-A / B / C / D)
Stop, there is no other new sample
Grand Concert in the variant Studio, Mellow, Jazz (bottons 1-1-A / B / C / D) MP5 has been moved to the
Grand Concert2 in the variant Studio2, Mellow2, Jazz2 (botton 1-2-A / B / C / D) on MP6

I thing that Kawai made a BIG ERROR
Kawai deleted or removed
Grand Concert2 in the variant Studio2, Mellow2, Jazz2 (botton 1-2-A / B / C / D) of the MP5 .... These are the most beautiful sounds and features found on MP5, very usable in live concerts. Try it with headphone!!

Now, there are not more on MP6, vanished... ... .... Why?.... this is not right!

Section EP Electric Piano
One new sound EP "Classic EP" (button-2-1-A). It is a sound acceptable (good, but not great)
The "Classic EP " (button-2-1-A) MP5 has been moved to (2-2-A) and renamed "Classic EP2" on MP6
The “Classic EP2” (Mp5) now It is “Classic EP3” C(on MP6)

In short, this is a mixture to create confusion!

All other sounds, as well as all 256 set-up are the same of Mp5.
Therefore, for samples or sounds, there is little innovation.

For clarity, I must say that to enhance the sounds of the EP,on MP6, there is a filter Amp Simulator (only Zone1) and the ability to add KeyOff Noise.
These greatly improve the tone of the EP .... ... but really there are not new samples!

Therefore, I think has been used little new RAM for sample or nothing.

CONCLUSIONS
I did not mention other purposely added features in MP6 (new mechanics, sound Hammond, usb) because I think little important (unnecessary) for those who want a stage piano for to play in live.

So, I think that MP5 is a powerful Instrument to buy now at a very competitive price of MP6.
In general the two instruments are equivalent.

SMALL TIP
I think that Kawai will have to implement something (like a new firmware) which gives the chance to restore (on Mp6) the samples (Concert Grand 2/Studio2/Mellow2/Jazz2) of the MP5.
I'd say delete from the MP6 (Piano Vari/Vari2/Vari3/Vari4) that are useless and restore these.

I think many owners MP6, will ask need to apply this update to the company Kawai

I know that many will understand.

Thanks

I own MP5 and MP6. Both are very nice keyboards. MP6 added some notable improvements. Improved action and key feel, improved grand Piano sound, abilty to record and play MP3/WAV files. Design of board is pretty similar, although I noticed the bottom construction has been upgraded from particle board to a solid black (non wood) material. Overall, the MP6 is better than the MP5. Although, its not by large leaps. I guess continuous improvement, no matter how small, is heading in the right direction.

Evolution, not revolution.

James
x

I have to disagree about the electric piano sounds. In particular, the new Rhodes sounds on the MP6 are vastly improved over the MP5. I didn't buy the MP5 for that reason alone. I love the Rhodes sounds on the MP6.

Yup. Agree with msaposs. The Rhodes with the amp simulator is just wonderful. In fact I find myself turning to the Rhodes sound as my first choice for jazz gigs.

If "new mechanics" means a better feeling action, then that's a notable difference for live performance; and for many people, so is a more capable Hammond organ implementation.

Better action, a better piano sound (even if it's only one), a better Rhodes sound (you called the results "greatly improved"), and better organ sounds. Thats probably a short list of the biggest reasons someone would want to upgrade from any given model to another in the first place.

The only downside would seem to be the loss of another older piano sample that you liked. Other than that, it seems improved in all the most significant areas for live performance. Except for having lower weight, now that might have been an enhancement that could have tempted me to seriously consider one! If only it weighed about 15 lbs less...