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The DGT7 is indeed a nice idea, but there are 3 things that make me still prefer my N2:
- first: the place it takes: impossible for me to have such a big piano (really beautifull that is true..but too big for my flat)
- second: the TRS system: it is really not a gadget. I consider that as a really important functionality as it makes the playing experience so real..
- third: the problem of output dynamic via VST is still there: I am sure the velocity you get from this piano is identical to the one I get from the N2: external midi values are far less accurate than internal (I am sure yamaha does more that interpreting the velocity to trigger internal sound..)

anyway, for the price, it could be really tempting indeed (mostly compared to a N1 in my opinion)

The TRS feature is very good; I'm all for vibrations and resonances. On the Kawai CA95 the keys do vibrate (to a certain extent); however, one needs to play at a mid to high volume to be able to feel subtle vibrations. With the AvanrGrand N2/3, one can play at low volumes, and still feel the vibrations; which is a nice option for those who cannot play at louder volumes due to neighbor concerns.

Yep, that is exactly it.
I have owned a CA93, and the vibration are far less than real piano and impose you to play loudly...which is impossible for me.
With TRS, you can even get it playing with headphone
I ensure it is not a gadget as it changes even your perception of the sound (not the sound , but make the sounds live...)

It appears the DGT7 and GT2 were replaced by the AvantGrand series. Am I correct? Looking at the specs of the DGT7 and GT2, they are well behind the AvantGrands in sample technology and speaker technology. I could be incorrect but for Bernie, he made the right call for his needs in choosing the AvantGrand. I will probably end up with another N1 soon. I don't see the necessity of going with the more expensive N2/N3 when the action is most important and practicing with headphones is a major priority now with a baby on the way. So the better speaker system and TRS aren't features that I need. I think the N1 cabinet looks a little better than the N2 although I do like how the N2 opens up.

A side note, but when I would get bored with the N1 sounds internally, I would simply midi the Nord Piano to the N1. It quite the experience getting to play the Studio Grand 2 Yamaha C7 sample with a real C series action.

"I would simply midi the Nord Piano to the N1...."
Did you play the Nord through the N1's on-board speakers? if so, did it sound as good -or close to- as the onboard sound in terms of fidelity?
Some have complained about a "noise-gate", or the end result simply not being very convincing when running virtual instruments through the AvantGrand's on-board speakers.

I thought of N1 at time of purchase, but I didn't care for the depth, almost reminds me of a B3. I can certainly understand that with headphones the N1 will work fine.

I can't fatham how a Nord sample will ever out class the internal samples of the AG, but as I learned recently everybody hears differently. I like the piano samples in AG very much, but like the Vintage D better. I don't think the Vintage D would sound as good using AG system since the internal samples were recorded in four channels and Vintage is just stereo.

We already discussed this point in another thread, when I was on the point to buy my N2
There is no noise gate on my N2
I am currently using the audio input, and I can ensure: no noise gate at all
Either it is a legend (I don't think) or more likely, Yamaha removed it, as this problem has been reported several years ago.

That's true; that issue has already been clarifed.
I know the internal sound routed through the 4-channel system will sound better; however, could you say running a virtual piano throuugh the on-board speakers (stereo) produces acceptable results? In other words, if you only had the option of playing a virtual piano through the AvantGrand would you be satisfied?
I ask because I have considered an AvantGrand, or a Grantouch to use solely as a controller (pianoteq 5); however, many have indicated that the end result is not optimal with the AvantGrand; perhaps due to the fact that the 4-channel system is not optimized for a stereo signal (speculating).

I must add that I mix the internal sound with VST sound
Indeed by using only VST sound, you get poor result
But As I said, the internal sound is really good by itself
I just mix it to add some resonnance details .
It is more a 'nice to have'.

I suppose the Grantouch would serve my purposes better, after all.
The AvantGrand sounds good; however, I prefer pianoteq; and consequentially, being able to run other virtual pianos; like the Ravenscroft.
The possibility to upgrade -just- the sound every couple of years vs. buying an entirely new piano is also a reason why I'd go with the controller (Grantouch) set-up.
The AvantGrand is still a top contender; that is until Kawai releases their version of a hybrid (grand piano action included).