Yamaha YDP-S55 Arius

The Yamaha YDP-S55 (also called the Arius S55) has become popular for quite a few reasons — it hits a sweet spot in features, feel, sound and design, especially for people at home who want something better than an entry level digital piano but who don’t have space for a full-size console (the S stands for slimline).

The main factors behind it’s appeal are listed below, for the YDP-S55 Datasheet – Click here.

Realistic piano feel

• • It uses Yamaha’s GH3 (Graded Hammer 3) keyboard action, which mimics an acoustic piano: heavier in the low keys, lighter up top.

  • It also has a half-damper pedal feature, which allows for more nuanced sustain control—important for expressive playing.

Good sound quality & sampling

• • It uses samples from Yamaha’s flagship CFX concert grand piano, which gives it a high quality “grand piano” voice.

  • Also features Virtual Resonance Modelling Lite (VRM Lite), which simulates sympathetic resonance (strings, soundboard, etc.) for a richer and more believable piano sound.

Speaker & sound system tuned for different volume levels

• • There’s something called Intelligent Acoustic Control and “sound balance correction” so that even at lower volumes (for quiet practice, or when using headphones) the piano still sounds good—bass and treble don’t just drop off.

  • Also a Stereophonic Optimizer for headphones, giving a more “grand piano in a room” spatial feel even when listening through headphones.

Compact & stylish design

• • It’s part of Yamaha’s slimline (S-series) line, so the depth front-to-back is less than many traditional console models. That makes it better for smaller apartments, tighter living rooms, or where space is at a premium.

  • The finish, build quality, lid design (that can close to form a flat tabletop look) and colour options help it integrate into home decor rather than look like a big bulky piece of gear.

Extra features & usability

• • It includes a large number of built-in voices (10), lots of built-in songs and practice exercises (353 songs, 303 lesson materials) for learners.

  • Compatibility with Yamaha’s Smart Pianist app, allowing you to use a tablet/phone to control settings, select voices, etc. This adds convenience and helps avoid fiddly menu diving on the piano itself.

Good value

• • For what you get (feel, sound, features, build), the S55 is often seen as offering strong value. It gives a lot of what people want in a mid-upper level digital piano without going to the very top price-tiers.

 

Some trade-offs / where it’s not quite perfect

To be balanced, a few reasons why some people might choose something else:

• • It doesn’t include Bluetooth connectivity (for audio or MIDI) in some markets / models, which can be a limitation for using wireless devices or streaming.

  • The number of voices is good, but not huge — some pianos give a broader palette of non-piano sounds. Of course, if you want that diversity, you might sacrifice something else.

  • While slim, it’s still a home console with speakers etc., so if you absolutely need portability, a stage or portable model might be better.

Overall: why people like it

Putting all that together, here’s why it’s popular:

• • You get much of the expressiveness and feel of an acoustic piano without the size, maintenance (e.g. tuning), or cost that comes with one.

  • For people who want to practice properly, improve, play seriously, the GH3 action + good sound + resonance features make a real difference over cheaper digital pianos.

  • It suits homes / small spaces well, looks nicer than older bulky models, fits into living rooms, etc.

  • Yamaha’s reputation also helps: people often trust their sound engines, key actions, and build quality.

  • The extra usability features (app control, lessons, etc.) appeal to both beginners and intermediate players.

Comparison to S-35:

While there are a lot of shared features, the S-55 offers:

• • Better keyboard action / key feel
  • Stronger speakers / amplification

A detailed comparison can be found by clicking here

Dimensions:

Width: 1353mm
Height: 792mm (Key cover open 968mm)
Depth: 309mm (Key cover open 317 mm)
Weight: 40kg

Visit our Yamaha Piano Showroom at our Music Store St Albans.