Just got CVP 509PE

[JohnDiV]

Just got the 509 PE. I also have a 409 PE that I will be giving to my Granddaughter.

The Differences:
1. The 400 series had removed the control to select Right 1, Right 2 and Left hand separately. They had combined R1/R2 on one button and had a left hand button. You could not change R1/R2 if the Left hand was selected. You had to de - select the Left hand then toggle the R1/R2 having to set the R1 and select the sound,then had to toggle to set the R2 and select the sound for R2. This was a bothersome move for me. No real work around if you use this feature a lot. The 300 series had separate buttons for all of them. Well they are separate buttons now on the 500 series like they use to be on the 300 series.

2. The speaker systems/amplifier is more robust in the 507 and 509 models. My ears are old and I hear the difference. Real clean sound with lots of depth.

3. The 509 has more sounds and styles with a lot more work put into them. Compared to the 409 the 509 sounds and styles are bit better. I am not saying the 409 sounded bad, it has great sound, it just that technology moves on.

4. The LCD display (which is TFT type) on the 507 and 509 are really bright, larger with a real crisp display, however there is no control over the brightness and contrast on the 507 and 509. I wish they had a brightness control. Too bight in a dark room for my eyes.

5. The body style has changed, not sure if I like it better then the old style.

I believe the CVPs are getting to expensive and in time cost to enjoyment ratio may diminish.

Well that is a quick overview and my opinion.

[tomtomsf]

Nice to hear your thoughts and opinions, John.
And, all points well taken.

Congrats on your new 509 and have many hours of enjoyment playing it (despite the cost:enjoyment ratio)!



Tom G.

[Gwenlyn Norton]

John, we just got our 509 also for the exact reasons you mention above. The sound is much, much better than the 303 we had before. The larger, color monitor is a delight! We are enjoying it every single day and learning more as we go.

[Jaish]

Originally Posted by JohnDiV

Just got the 509 PE. I also have a 409 PE that I will be giving to my Granddaughter.

Congrats John!

4. The LCD display (which is TFT type) on the 507 and 509 are really bright, larger with a real crisp display, however there is no control over the brightness and contrast on the 507 and 509. I wish they had a brightness control. Too bight in a dark room for my eyes.

I completely agree. Contrast control omission, I didn't mind as the display is clearly viewable at any angle (standing up or sitting, even slouching), BUT the omission of a brightness control is also a pain. For me, ambient light changes where my 509 is situated - during the day it's fine, but at night the display is almost blinding even with my room lights on, and especially as my model is ebony, so unlike the mahogany version the contrast against the black wood around makes the display seem even brighter.

5. The body style has changed, not sure if I like it better then the old style.

I was exactly the same way, even when I FIRST saw the 509. To me, initially, it was disappointing and another example of cost-cutting amongst manufacturers across the board. It looked like a keyboard on a stand, and not a piano, nor a well integrated piece of furniture. The curves of the legs and the absent details in obviously more expensive parts from the 409 (eg. rear polished legs, pedal box bevels, etc.) made me feel ripped off. Having said that, the design's REALLY grown on me, and despite seeing 309's and 409's beside it, I appreciate the new design, including the illusion of it "floating" on the front legs at certain angles when you stand beside it.

[JohnDiV]

Good luck with your new CVP 509. It is really a nice instrument. And I am getting use to the looks. It sounds great.


John

[Gwenlyn Norton]

No problems. We play it every single day and just love and sound(s).... so much fun. I think benches ought to be outlawed, however. I use a nice comfortable chair with back support and can play much longer at 70 years.