Registered: 10/09/04
Posts: 2580
Loc: Ocala, FL USA
Donny, There is no straight answer for that.
Let's say you had notta....then: Va2 = $ 400 PC (doesn't everyone already have at least 2) maybe $500 MIDI keyboard = $100-$400 That's it as vA2 has a built in sounds (VST)
Now...depending on what else you want....up from there.
But sound wise if you want the very best you could spend lots more.
In my case I already have a MIDI kbd, pedals, PC and high end sound system.
If I do this...I might get a sound module to go along with Dan's built in sounds....but I could add that later if needed.
T5 = $4500 S-950 = $1900 (I don't care for the keybed, but maybe could be OK short term)
Yamaha (others too) are way too expensive on arrangers...we drank the koolaid...now they keep upping the cost. You can get a Yamaha new D-deck (new version last year) for $7,000....and it has 2 manuals, pedals and a nice cabinet. No you don't take it gigging...but I am just comparing costs here.
I may just do the Va2 to just get back into playing...then we see where it goes long term.
By the way...if you add Dan's Va2...you could then take advantage of Ketron, Roland and Korg styles....pretty cool. And it would work with your 950 or whatever current arranger. AND you could use the sounds in the current arranger or others as needed.
Interseting times for sure...so many good choices.