The US dealer pre-negotiation pre-tariff advertised street price of NV10S was US$15,199 (plus shipping, plus state sales tax). A reputable on-line dealer offered US$13,225 (free shipping, no sales tax). Awaiting confirmation, a 45% increase for NV12 in the US today would not surprise me--approaching the price of a decent used RX-5!
The NV12 touchscreen interface will be the current CA701/901 implementation which I have found superb on my 901 and much preferable to a bunch of buttons above the keys or look-up key combinations. Navigation is intuitive and powerful once you adjust to the touch sensitivity. And the interface can be replicated larger and controlled on iPhone or iPad. But practically, having dialed in my piano sound and parameter settings, I never touch the control panel except for the metronome function which is excellent.
Something rarely discussed about the high-end hybrids is that the bass emulation and attempted sonic production is for a 9' grand which in acoustic form is not available in most home environments. I recently taste tested in one session the Estonia range from L168 to L210 and the primary obvious difference was the desirable increasing freight train rumble of the bass with increasing length. But I cannot afford nor space a 9' acoustic grand. So I appreciate that as the design objective of my 901, even with the apparent deficiencies in reproduction.
While my expectations were far exceeded with my 901, I will be buying either a close-out NV10S or an NV12 for the following reasons. I adore the experience of a prepared mature L210 and could afford one, but the requirements and variability of periodic tuning and voicing lose in comparison to the ideal digital hybrid. Once or twice a year I need organ or electric piano or synth pad--nice. The specific improvement over 901 that I seek is improved control of PP and P dynamics with the MIIIH action. Finally, shallowly, the aesthetic of the polished ebony cabinet over the low-upright satin vibe of 901 is appealing.
Comparing NV12 to 10S, I'd be delighted with the latter if still available. I prefer SK-EX to the additional Competition Grand rendering (which I also have in 901). Conventional speakers are more than adequate for my requirements, and the NV12 planar speaker board adds undesirable depth to the cabinet. (Although the 901 vertical soundboard with drivers reflecting back off the adjacent wall is lovely.) It does not project downwards as in an acoustic, so I doubt it can reproduce the acoustic enveloping wall-of-sound experience. Also I find the NV12 hinged folding lid and prop kind of hokey although no doubt it will appeal to some. With the black-out firmware update, the current NV10S control display will be fine for me.
Next week I will know much more about NV12 US availability and price and will share here.
