WOW! Casio ABSOLUTELY has a direct contender to the Yamaha YPG, and the newer Yamaha DGX series--(there are newer DGX models called the DGX-520, and DGX-620).

Casio's new Privia PX-575R is a "head on contender" to the YPG-625. When you inlarge the picture you'll see that this new Privia shares (much) of the WK layout, and functions--even 6 track recording, drawbars, voice editing, and so on. Here's a link. Scroll to the bottom.
http://www.casio.com/news/content/36B69A74-C16D-4FC7-BCA3-D0C2E1C2191D/

If the new WK-8000 model doesn't have weighted keys it will compete directly against the new Yamaha DGX-520, and DGX 620.

Here's the new DGX models:
http://yamaha.com/yamahavgn/CDA/List/ModelSeriesListLE/0,,CTID%253D205200%2526 CNTYP%253D,00.html

Squeak



[This message has been edited by squeak_D (edited 07-16-2006).]

Oh oh, it looks like Yamaha is in serious trouble....

Ian

Either way..., Casio needs to be given a pat on the pack with these new models--and Yamaha a pat on their backs as well. Sure the Casio's have 32 note poly (a bit limited), but last time I check the entire DGX line and the YPG's have 32 note poly as well.

What will really set a definitive line between the Casio's and Yamaha's (in my opinion) is if Casio included midi in/out jacks on the WK-8000, and Privia 575R. The 575R already has a few ups on the YPG. The 575R will allow voice editing, if the 6 track recorder is identical to the WK's it will allow post song editing, and the new Privia even has the WK drawbars

I already told the wife, to expect me to clear a space in the living room for the Privia 575R. I'm willing to bet the Privia model will sell for less than the YPG or right at the same price

Squeak

[This message has been edited by squeak_D (edited 07-16-2006).]

[This message has been edited by squeak_D (edited 07-16-2006).]

Mmmmmm....I wonder if Casio are looking for demonstrators?

Perhaps it's time to make a change?

Ian

They need to change their name to make it a respected unit again.....
too much old baggage from years ago....the minute people hear Casio its associated with low end if at all....

Agree with you DNJ, before Casio it used to be Bontempi down at the bottom of the pile.
Casio have come on these past few years though and do offer some competition at the lower/budget end of the home user arranger/piano market.

Yeah I agree that their past does haunt them a bit, but Casio has (since the release of the MZ-2000) up their game quite a bit.

It's not going to happen overnight, but Casio "is" changing their (not so well known) reputation. They're doing this by releasing models worthy of competition with Yamaha and the likes. If they continue to do this, Casio can change that negative image. Who knows maybe we'll see a new MZ model down the line.

Funny thing is more people own Casio's and just don't admit it I wouldn't be ashamed of sporting a WK-3800, or 8000, or PX 575R.

Squeak

[This message has been edited by squeak_D (edited 07-16-2006).]

Last time I checked...when I owned a Previa, It dropped to 16 note polyphony as soon as you selected the stereo piano sound. As far as I know my portable Yamaha does not do this. So, as far as 32 note polyphony goes, Yamaha is twice as good as Casio. Really no two ways about it. Casio needs to redevelope their sound engine. They need better polyphony. They have made great strides in their products and truly are contenders. However, at 32 note (16 note) polyphony they are not in the same class. IMO

Regards,

Dennis L. Almond
aka...TwoNuts

That's it....

I'm cancelling my application for demonstrator.LOL

Ian

Bontempi....heheheheh

most people will still buy yamaha 88 keys(YPGs)because of the look and reputation(since yam make high end EPs)so it's hardly a competition for over $500 market.

even new yam like e 403 selling for around $250,it's hard to compete with yam.

too bad yam always leave out modulation wheel(Casio is great for doing that,and SM card input).

If Casio want to beat yam,this is what it has to do(other than changing the name)for sub $500 keyboards.

-increase polyphorny to 64
-still keep mod wheel/sm card
-add 4 variations(remember you could get psr1000-1100 for $650 a while ago)
-4 fills will be great
-must have a simple user style maker/and basic seq to write SMFs

if they want to compete in sub $ 1000 market,they have to do really hard since there is KORG PA50/and psr 1500.

Or better, they should buy "Technics" name and start the war!



[This message has been edited by jamman (edited 07-16-2006).]

I don't think we're going to see many (any?) new products using SM (SmartMedia); it's been surpassed. The memory card Casio and several others have moved to is SD (Secure Digital); it's faster, available in larger capacity, has a built-in controller (an advantage mainly for the equipment manufacturer).




[This message has been edited by quietDIN (edited 07-17-2006).]

No speakers!?!?!?

I wouldn't call the PX-575R a head on contender with the YPG-625 if it doesn't have speakers. To me, that's the exciting thing about the 625 -- you can gig with it in a small hall and it weighs 40 lbs. Other keyboards in the sub 40 lbs category DO NOT HAVE ADEQUATE SPEAKERS, with the possible exception of the P70 which has only 10 sounds.

I searched the 575R features and specs for any mention of its speakers -- no dice. Yet it costs about the same as a YPG-625.

On the polyphony, the 575R gets 32 max, but for some tones, it's 10! That means if you dual up, it can be 5?

I think you're right that Casio is trying to compete with Yamaha. Maybe they're trying too hard.

Rick

OK, I was wrong. I guess it does have speakers. There is no mention whatsoever of the speakers on www.priviapiano.com, but on the casio.com link Squeak provided above, it says: "Powerful 2-way bass reflex speakers provide high-quality professional–level sound." But there's still no mention of the speakers on the specs page. We don't know the size or wattage of these speakers.

I will say that if they use the same speaker system as on the PX-555R, it's not going to make it. Side by side against a Yamaha DGX, the 555R sounds sickly -- and it's 80% a speaker issue.

But I hope they keep trying. Competition is good for everybody.

R.

It's good to get opinions from professionals who can touch both worlds (Yamaha and Casio). From what I read Casio still manufacture cheap keyboards.

10 poly is very close to my PSR-260 (now < $100) which had 8 poly when I played the good quality voices.

As for my DGX-305. In some of my sequences there is polyphony drop when the keyboard plays < 16 notes simultaneously.

Anyway, it's too bad that the new casios are not true contenders to yamaha. A serious competition in the low-end market would force Yamaha to do significant improvements to the DGX line and make me feel interested in purchasing a new keyboard.

George