Introduction to the Privia Series
Contents
Casio’s Privia series has evolved significantly since its introduction, becoming a respected name in digital pianos. The 2024 lineup spans from entry-level models to professional instruments, each incorporating Casio’s latest sound and keyboard technologies.
Current Models Overview
Entry-Level Range
PX-S1100
Price Range: $699-799
- Smart Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard
- 18 built-in tones
- Dual 8W speakers
- Bluetooth MIDI
- 192-note polyphony
- Weight: 11.2 kg
Best For: Beginners and students seeking a quality starter instrument
PX-S2100
Price Range: $899-999
- Smart Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard
- 24 built-in tones
- Dual 16W speakers
- Bluetooth audio and MIDI
- 192-note polyphony
- Built-in rhythms and accompaniment
- Weight: 11.4 kg
Best For: Intermediate players needing more features
Mid-Range Models
PX-S3100
Price Range: $1,199-1,299
- Smart Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard
- 700+ built-in tones
- Dual 16W speakers
- Full accompaniment features
- Bluetooth audio and MIDI
- Color touch interface
- 192-note polyphony
- Weight: 11.4 kg
Best For: Versatile musicians needing extensive sound options
PX-S5100
Price Range: $1,599-1,699
- Enhanced Smart Hybrid Hammer Action
- 400+ built-in tones
- Quad speaker system (20W + 20W)
- Advanced accompaniment features
- High-resolution color touch display
- 256-note polyphony
- Weight: 12.2 kg
Best For: Serious hobbyists and semi-professionals
Professional Range
PX-S7000
Price Range: $2,399-2,499
- Premium Smart Hybrid Hammer Action with wooden elements
- 400+ tones with enhanced piano sounds
- Multi-dimensional Acoustic System II
- Quad speaker system (30W + 30W)
- Advanced modeling technology
- 256-note polyphony
- Weight: 11.1 kg
Best For: Professional musicians and serious performers
Feature Comparison Matrix
| Feature | PX-S1100 | PX-S2100 | PX-S3100 | PX-S5100 | PX-S7000 |
| Key Action | Smart Scaled | Smart Scaled | Smart Scaled | Smart Hybrid | Premium Smart Hybrid |
| Polyphony | 192 | 192 | 192 | 256 | 256 |
| Speaker Power | 8W + 8W | 16W + 16W | 16W + 16W | 20W + 20W | 30W + 30W |
| Display | LED | LED | Color Touch | Color Touch | Large Color Touch |
| Bluetooth | MIDI only | Audio & MIDI | Audio & MIDI | Audio & MIDI | Audio & MIDI |
| Piano Tones | 18 | 24 | 700+ | 400+ | 400+ |
Technology Breakdown
Key Action Technologies
- Smart Scaled Hammer Action
- Entry-level models (PX-S1100, S2100, S3100)
- Triple sensor system
- Simulated ebony/ivory key surfaces
- Smart Hybrid Hammer Action
- Mid-range model (PX-S5100)
- Enhanced key stability
- Improved dynamic response
- Premium Smart Hybrid Hammer Action
- Professional model (PX-S7000)
- Wooden key elements
- Advanced graded weighting
- Superior dynamic control
Sound Technologies
- Basic Sound Engine (PX-S1100)
- Multi-layered piano samples
- Basic resonance modeling
- Advanced Sound Engine (PX-S2100/S3100)
- Enhanced multi-layered sampling
- Improved resonance modeling
- String resonance simulation
- Premium Sound Engine (PX-S5100)
- Advanced multi-dimensional sampling
- Detailed resonance modeling
- Enhanced acoustic simulation
- Multi-dimensional Acoustic System II (PX-S7000)
- Highest-quality sampling and modeling
- Advanced acoustic simulation
- Full resonance modeling
- Detailed hammer response simulation
Connectivity Options
All Models Include:
- USB to Host
- Dual Headphone Outputs
- Sustain Pedal Input
Model-Specific Features:
- PX-S1100: Basic MIDI over Bluetooth
- PX-S2100 and up: Full Bluetooth audio and MIDI
- PX-S5100 and up: Additional line outputs
- PX-S7000: Professional audio I/O
Educational Features
Common Across Range:
- Duet Mode
- Lesson Function
- Recording Capability
- Metronome
Advanced Features (S3100 and up):
- Score Display
- Part ON/OFF
- Audio Recording
- App Integration
Choosing the Right Model
For Beginners:
- Best Value: PX-S1100
- With Room to Grow: PX-S2100
For Intermediate Players:
- Feature-Rich: PX-S3100
- Semi-Professional: PX-S5100
For Professional Use:
- Stage/Studio: PX-S7000
Future-Proofing Considerations
- All models support firmware updates
- App compatibility across range
- Expandable through USB MIDI
- Bluetooth connectivity on most models
Price-Performance Analysis
Entry Level (Under $1000)
- PX-S1100: Best basic piano experience
- PX-S2100: Best value for features
Mid-Range ($1000-2000)
- PX-S3100: Best feature set for price
- PX-S5100: Best semi-professional option
Professional ($2000+)
- PX-S7000: Best overall performance
Conclusion
The 2024 Casio Privia range offers a comprehensive selection of digital pianos suitable for all skill levels and budgets. The line maintains Casio’s reputation for value while introducing premium features at the higher end. The technological progression from entry-level to professional models is well-thought-out, allowing users to choose an instrument that matches their needs without paying for unnecessary features.
