Thanks for all your input! To be fair, remember that I bought probably the FIRST PA800 in the U.S. The Korg rep personally delivered it for me.
Obviously the OS upgrade has made a major difference in sound. I had a PA80 some years ago and loved the sound of it.
Several people who's opinions I value listened to the 800 when I had it and the assessment was univeral - nobody liked it. I gave it my best shot for a couple months and just couldn't get it to sound right, so I sold it.
I am quite happy with the Yamaha S900, but when I get a chance I will listen to a "new" PA800 again.
Since I got my replacement S900 I have had no problems so far. My first one had obvious damage to the case, so I don't think you can throw it into any lack-of-quality category.
DonM