Alongside Yamaha’s “Avitecs,” the Kawai “Nasal” (Nasal) sits as one of the two giants in the Japanese soundproof room market.
While many buyers struggle to choose between the two, they are built on fundamentally different philosophies. In this guide, we’ll break down the features and pricing of the Kawai Nasal and help you decide when to choose Kawai over Yamaha.
What is Kawai Nasal?#
The Nasal is a line of prefabricated soundproof rooms developed by Kawai Musical Instruments, one of the world’s leading piano manufacturers. The name is derived from “Natural,” “Sound,” and “All.”
The defining characteristic of Kawai’s approach is flexibility. While Yamaha focuses on “Standardized Excellence,” Kawai focuses on “Adapting to the User’s Room.”
3 Reasons to Choose Kawai Nasal#
1. Unmatched Size and Shape Flexibility#
While Yamaha’s “Cefine NS” typically limits you to choosing from a set of fixed sizes, Kawai offers three distinct types:
- Light Type (Fixed): Cost-effective units in standard sizes.
- Standard Type (Semi-Order): Customizable in 11cm increments. Can also accommodate supporting beams in the ceiling.
- Order Type (Full-Order): Designed in 1cm increments to perfectly fit the unique shape of your room.
If you want a soundproof room that fits into a specific corner of your apartment or needs to go around an existing structural beam, Kawai is by far your best option.
2. A Wide Performance Range from Dr-30 to Dr-50#
Kawai provides more options for sound insulation levels than most competitors:
- Dr-30 / Dr-35: Ideal for voices or light instruments.
- Dr-40: The industry standard for piano, saxophone, and late-night practice.
- Dr-50: Top-tier insulation even for modular units, rivaling professional recording studios.
3. Natural Acoustics and Warm resonance#
As a piano manufacturer, Kawai pays close attention to how sound behaves inside the unit. While Yamaha units are often described as having a “Clear and Structured” sound, Kawai focuses on providing a “Rich and Warm Resonance” similar to a real concert hall. This is why many classical musicians and vocalists prefer Kawai.
Yamaha vs. Kawai: Which One is Right for You?#
This is the most common question we receive from our readers.
| Aspect | Yamaha Cefine NS | Kawai Nasal |
|---|---|---|
| Sizes | Fixed sizes only | Extremely flexible |
| Design | Modern and sleek | Warm with wood-grain options |
| Acoustics | Clear and precise | Rich and natural |
| Availability | Fast (if in stock) | Custom orders take time |
| Resale Value | High and very active market | Slightly lower than Yamaha |
The Verdict:
- Choose Yamaha if a standard size fits your room and you want the peace of mind of the most popular brand.
- Choose Kawai if you want to maximize every square centimeter of your room or need to avoid structural beams.
Pricing and Cost of Ownership#
Pricing for the Nasal varies significantly depending on the customization level:
- Light Type (0.8 Mat / Dr-35): Starts around ¥700,000.
- Standard Type (1.7 Mat / Dr-40): Starts around ¥1,300,000.
- Installation Fee: Typically ¥100,000 to ¥200,000 depending on your location and floor level.
Kawai also sells reconditioned used units on their official website, providing an opportunity to get a top-tier room for 30–40% off the new price.
Summary: Who Should Buy Kawai Nasal?#
Kawai Nasal is the perfect choice for users who want their soundproof room to feel like a part of their home architecture.
- “I want it to fit perfectly in a corner.” (Go with Semi-Order)
- “I want the richest possible resonance for my acoustic instrument.” (Visit a showroom to test)
- “I need extreme insulation up to Dr-50.” (Consider the Order type)
If these points resonate with you, the Kawai Nasal will be an exceptional partner in your creative and musical journey.
Related Articles#
- [Comparison]: Yamaha vs. Kawai: Which Giant Wins?
- [Acoustics]: Understanding Dr-Rating: What Dr-35 Really Means
- [Used Units]: Buying a Used Yamaha or Kawai: What You Need to Know