Thanks for the responses.

I did demo it once when it first came out but I really wasn't able to go very deep into the OS. First impression was that it reminded me a lot of the PA80, albeit with a few new styles and sounds. I came away thinking that it has good acoustic sounds different than the Yamaha sounds but not necessarily better. I know I'll like the synth sounds.. much in the same way I like the MZ2000s, which is my main reason for keepin the MZ.

I would probably like the PA800 very much. Still, I'm not totally convinced that the upgrade is worthwhile for me.. so I won't consider buying one without trying it out again.

Still I'd like to decide relatively soon. The window for me to buy expensive gear will close a bit if I decide to retire from my day job ( I'm eligible to go in 9 more weeks but don't have to go until I want to ), unless I seek out more music jobs ( I still prefer a band setting vs OMB - not always so easy to do in todays world ) or I decide to do some other ( possibly light construction ) work.

If the worst case scenario is that I wind up keeping what I have... that's a pretty good problem to have. Even after 7 years I still appreciate the PA80. It's been a great board for me.

I remember when I was much younger and money was so tight back then. It took me what seemed like forever to save for a Polysix .. when I really wanted a CS80 ( that could have never happened for me back then ). Today I have a small studio full of gear, plus a virtual CS80 that sounds quite close to the real thing, along with many other great computer synths. For that and for livin long enough to be around to use this stuff.... I am truly grateful.

Regards

AJ