What is the best DP for playing classical music on?

From what I can tell from the forums, the Roland HP-207 and RD-700SX seem to be the top models.

Are there any others? Is the HP-207 better or the RD-700SX? Where's the best place to buy if I live near New Rochelle, NY? (The advantage of the rd-700sx is that I can buy online)

If I bought the RD-700SX, what other parts (speakers, pedals, music stand?) would you recommend?

If you are playing classical music, does that mean that you are only looking at good action and good piano sounds? At most, you'll probably want a few organs, strings, and harpsichords, yes?

The RD-700SX might be a bit overkill for you. It has a lot of features that you might not need. It also has an outdated action. The FP-7 is a lot cheaper and has the newer PHAII action.

The Roland HP-207 looks more suitable for you. It has the PHAII action with Ivory simulation. I've never tried this model in particular, but it sounds good.

You should also check out the Kawai MP8 and other Kawai digital consoles. Look for anything with the AWA (advanced wood action) Grand Pro or AWA Grand Pro II actions. The keys are all made out of wood and give a more realistic feel.

Also, do you already own an acoustic piano? Are you used to a light, medium, or heavy action? The FP-7 and MP8 have heavy actions. The Casio Privias have the heaviest action. The Yamaha CP300/CP33 has a medium-ish action.

And lastly, most digitals you buy already come with pedals and an attachable music stand. If the model doesn't have internal speakers, then you have to buy them seperately.

These are popular:
http://www.behringer.com/B2031A/index.cfm

Here are some other referencing links you should browse through:

http://rolandus.com/products/productdetails.aspx?ObjectId=856&ParentId=87

http://kawai.de/

http://www.casio.com/products/Musical_Instruments/Privia_Digital_Pianos/

http://music.yamaha.com/products/categoryProducts.html?categoryId=16365&hierarchy_id=16277

The CP300 does it for me.. the volume/dynamics (attack) are adjustable as are the piano samples via the built in eqaliser..

I personally am biased towards the Kawai action on the CA-series (CA51, 71, 91). This has the AWA Pro II all wooden keys action. The CA91 would be a competitor of Roland HP207 in price and features. (I am neutral to the HP207.) The Kawai CE200 is extremely similar to the CA51 in action and functions (polyphony, sampling etc.), but the user interface is mediocre. But its price is a lot less. [Edit: CE200 is only available in N. America.]

I believe the Kawai MP8 or MPII (stage pianos with much mention on the forum) also have similar actions.

I know a number of classically trained pianists who all prefer the Kawai. Try to get your hands on those wooden key action Kawai before finalizing your decision. The touch is distinctly different.

Good luck!

Wow the samples for Kawai sound great! I am very glad I posted.

Is there a good dealer in NYC area or online for Kawai?

To answer Tuan Vo:

I moved to NY for school. So I no longer have an acoustic piano with me. In reality, all I am looking for is an acoustic substitute. I used to play on a Yamaha upright back at home.

The piano was something similar to this

http://www.yamaha.com/yamahavgn/CDA/Cont...D201200,00.html

I know the SamAsh on 48th Street in the city carries a few Kawai DPs (MP5, MP8, and one other one... it's a console DP.)

I wasn't too impressed with the MP8's wooden keys at all. Maybe other people like it, but it felt a bit stiff and unresponsive to me. But maybe that's just me.

The only Kawai dealership I've been able to track down is on Northern Blvd in Flushing. I've been planning on going there to try the ES4 but it doesn't look like I'll ever get there. Hope you do though.

.

I agree...

IMO, for classical music, touch is - almost - everything in a DP and for me, nothing comes close to the CA series with AWA Grand Pro 2 keyboard... I'm awaiting the delivery of my CA91

After a long quest I identified 3 good DP's: Kawai CA91, Roland HP207, Yamaha CLP 280.
A the end i decided to buy a CA91, primarily for the touch.

I'ts a matter of personal taste and feeling. I suggest you *strongly* to test well each piano you are considering...
Stefano