In an attempt to obtain dense lead metaniobate-based ceramics with improved dielectric and piezoelectric properties, the (Pb1.06-xBax)(Nb0.94Ti0.06)(2)O-6 (x = 0, 0.04, 0.08, 0.12) piezoelectric ceramics were prepared separately from the two kinds of calcined powders, i.e., the powders with the rhombohedral phase and orthorhombic phase. For obtaining the calcined powders with the different phases, two different calcination temperatures of 900 degrees C and 1250 degrees C were chosen. The calcined powders were characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, laser particle size analyzer and differential scanning calorimetry. Effects of the phase structures of the calcined powders on crystallite structure, microstructure, dielectric and piezoelectric properties of the ceramics were studied in detail. The lattice parameters and grain size of the ceramics are related to the phase structures of the calcined powders. The doping of Ba2+ has an influence on the dielectric and piezoelectric properties of the ceramics. The ceramics with x = 0.08 fabricated from the calcined powders with the orthorhombic phase demonstrate the optimum dielectric and piezoelectric properties. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.