So the Podium's are no longer the bargain of the century they were touted as when they were your 'this one's a keeper' system a few months ago..?

I was astounded at how many were wiling to pay $1000 for a 130W Bose Compact system a while back, but $600+ for something that is rated 2X15W? Yikes!

How many different systems do you have now, Fran? And how many have you let go over the last five years or so? Bet they were all 'keepers' during the first flush of ownership... And, what does it matter how many hours it runs on batteries? You got a single decent arranger that runs on batteries to put through it? Didn't think so..!

Tell us this is a 'keeper' AFTER you have 'kept' it for six months and used it regularly (that is multiple times a week). Right now, it is as much a 'keeper' as the E600 (was that the model you raved about?) and the other plethora of gear that turned out to not be the 'keeper' it was described by you as...

Don't get me wrong, this may turn out to be a great piece of gear, but perhaps we could keep the 'keeper' tag off until after you actually HAVE kept and used it for a while? There are many that take these kinds of reviews seriously, and spend hard earned money on what is actually just an initial impression. We owe it to them to be less hyperbolic in our praise until the gotchas and real life experiences have accumulated, don't we?

Or, at least, those that read them should be aware just how much 'keeper' stuff you no longer have?

Personally, a 200W+ system with a big subwoofer from Logitech for $140 US or a $600+ 2X15W Roland sytem, I'd want to know why I would pay 4X more for something a LOT less powerful..? Battery power seems a pretty much useless feature for an arranger player.

I'd be interesting in hearing about a head to head between the Roland and a pair of those Podium 10"s, especially when cranked up (or at least, a 'pro' level of deep bass at a medium distance or so). That is, if you still have those 'keepers'

I can identify with Fran.
I have two Bose Compacts. Also two Logitech Z220s (one in my computer room for the PC and playing kb or guitar at home and one for small jobs). I have a Z5500 in the living room for surround sound on the TV setup. Also have two Podium 8's.
They are all good. I prefer the Logitechs to the Podiums, but they don't have as long a throw. I've probably done two dozen jobs with the 2200s over three or four years.
Of course the Bose Compacts are in a class of their own. I leave them set up at my six-night a week job. (At least most weeks.)
I REALLY have to get rid of some STUFF. Three arrangers and two controllers, five mixers, more mics than the music store, at least six kb stands. Pack rat. Bad. I even have four or five portable digital recorders.
Somebody stop me before it gets out of control. No wait, it's too late!
DonM

Perhaps it is just me, but I tend to think of the word 'keeper' as something that you DO actually keep and use over an extended length of time, something that outperforms your current 'keeper', NOT something you don't immediately return to the seller, which I'm afraid is often the way some of us use it...

What are Fran's REAL 'keepers'?

I'd suggest the G70, his Yorkvilles, and his Traynor K4. Had, and KEPT and used those regularly for a long time. Now, that's a recommendation I can believe in...

Have to say, I bought my Traynor K4 on Fran's recommendation, and I LOVE that amp (pound for pound, the best KB amp out there, IMO of course). On the other hand, I also bought the Podium 8's on Fran's recommendation. I guess 1 out of 2 isn't so bad.

As for DonM, yeah, an intervention is probably in order. While you're at it, set one up for me and Russ as well.

chas (so many gadgets, so little money)

I'd like to chime in here on Fran's use of and Diki's interpretation of the term "keeper."

I have come to understand and accept Fran's use of the term as meaning that the item is worth it's purchase price. It also means, to me, that the item is not a piece of junk. Whether it's something I would want or buy is a personal matter. Having read Fran's posts for many years now, I know that Fran - and others - have a penchant for new gear. He often makes a big noise over buying new stuff, but is pretty quiet about what he discards or keeps. I don't find that alarming or unusual. Now, would I buy a piece of gear solely on Fran's "keeper" tag? Probably not, but I certainly would give his thumb-up some credence - if I were looking at similar equipment.

That said, Diki has a point in asking that such a "strong" term be used for something that the owner may not choose to keep after a brief honeymoon with it. But, and here's the rub, I also sense an underlying bias that Diki has against Fran's fickleness. In reading Diki's posts for a good number of years, I've come to realize that his opinions are strong and that sometimes his words come off a little rough. I don't feel that Diki holds these animosities that his words sometimes hint at. I feel it's just his style and I accept that.

I ask that we/Diki accept that "keeper" is a Fran-ism just as much as Diki's words are his personality.

Peace out, brothers. JMHO

Cass

The title of the post says “First Impressions” and after this trial Fran has found it to be worthwhile keeping it for a longer term trial, NOT that it is a keeper forever.
That’s how I read it anyway

Bill

Nah, I think they should duke it out. Fran could use Donny as a second and Diki could use.....uh, uh, uh, Dom? Elizabeth? wait....Scottyee.

chas

Bill, Cass, Don and even Chas got it right...Diki for the most part got it wrong..

A "keeper" from a first impression means I want to continue to explore because I initially find it great..

Compared to my "non keepers"..first impression soured me in one or more areas..
Here is my list as an example of non keeper (I held on to some for a few weeks, to see if I would miss anything)..

Non Keepers:

PSR2100 (Yamaha)..Where do I start.. quality built, SMF play, most sounds, key feel, mic/harmonizer...all negatives..

Yamaha Tyros3..just not worth the cost to me..I am being kind...

Roland Fantom x6..I just never liked the sound selections used in the Fantom series..Choirs and lack of scats..are negatives..menu driven parameters are awkward..

Korg Triton Studio 76..bulky, unusable sounds for me (Hip hop oriented).bad design for sequencing and sound design..very overrated..

Roland Juno G..bad key feel..even though they were better than the PSR..it is Roland;s worst keys..Too many menu driven options to get where you need to go..Only 16 parts, not allowing separate parts for realtime keyboard parts..

Roland Juno Stage..some player glitches and poor load time..Only 16 parts..same result as the Juno G..

Roland Sonic cell..Limited song files on Thumb drive..originally 99..upgraded to 399(All Roland's now are 999..Prelude,GW8, Juno Stage)..

Now to clear up some wrong statements from Diki..

I never owned or played the Podium 10's..

I still believe the Podium 802 at $110 each is the best power for the dollar on the market..
I have 2 pair of 802's..a pair of 1204's, a pair of 1503's...I think I am making a statement in support of Podium..

I used/owned the Roland E-600 for 4 years..

The K4 was sold to DNJ..He pleaded for it..I did not intend to sell it..

I would have to confirm my current list of "keepers"....
G70, Prelude, My ancient Cube 100's (4)..
My MediaStation..
My M-10dx Edirol mixer..
My 46 year old custom made accordion..
My Sano amp (also 46 years)..

These are givens..and will only be replaced if something better comes along.. [img]http://www.synthzone.com/ubbs/smile.gif[/img]

Naturally there are "keepers" that just age and we sell off..because it is time...like the Roland G1000, VA7, DisCover 5, JV1000, XP80, VR760, etc..

To recap..a keeper from my first impression is exactly as Bill stated..

Diki, the battery powered can come in handy..even if I have to plug a keyboard in...You don't need a power strip and extra cords...It is an easy ideal set up for Nursing home and other quick setup jobs..

And.. with a battery powered laptop and BA330..I have instant music anywhere...Outdoor get together..beach parties..just about anywhere....and both units will give me a minimum 5 hours battery live (the weaker time is the laptop)..

Don't be so quick to rule out what you haven't tried..

Same with the cost..add up the components and features of the BA330..than listen to one..even on battery power...maybe you will change your opinion..

I will try a side by side to the Bose Compact...I think some folks will be surprised how it fairs to the compact..I already think the BA330 has a fuller range of sound..The Bose lacks a low mids area..and this is where the BA330 shines.

I won't be surprised if the BA330 fills a room as much as the compact...When I tested the Bose Compact...it was never able to get very loud before it distorted..A side by side..should be interesting..I will let you guys know the results..

Both the Bose compact and the BA330 are ideally designed for the 80-100 people venues..(dinners, NH, etc)
Neither would cover "dance" with out external powered speaker help..Not even the Big boy L1..

Fran-I just ordered one. Been using the little 30 watt Roland monitor (CM-30?) for about a year on small luncheon gigs (25-75 people) for the city. Might be the same little power source, which is neat with my light little NP-30 Yamaha.


I play outside for a large farm a lot in the summer. We've used generators and a battery operated Pignose Hog. This will be useful as an easily movable unit for all kinds of jobs.


Thanks,

Russ

[This message has been edited by captain Russ (edited 01-01-2010).]