Many feel that sound wise the E-A7 compares favorably to boards costing much more. Compared to the SX900 you would be losing the chord sequencer, the touch screen, and the vocal harmony with the E-A7. Of course, a harmony unit is easy to add. I would say the biggest loss would be the ease of use gained with the touch screen. That is the reason I got rid of my E-A7 as I was constantly bent over the small screens and it killed my neck. The reason I tweaked so much is that the Roland system is so easy to use that it tempts you to do that. Ironically, I don't do so much tweaking now with the Korg as I don't find it as easy to use.

The key is to do your own research as only you know how you will use your keyboard and what features and sounds matter the most. There are quite a few demos available now. If cost is one of the most important factors, an E-A7 should be high on anyone's list. The fact that Don Mason uses one speaks volumes IMO. If Roland come out with a new model that has a touch screen I will be interested although I can't really justify it as a home player.