...and to my surpeise it really kicks a$$. I was able to get myself an open-box unit for $399; it's in brand new condition with the warranty and all. Not surprisingly, the unit is quite portable AND built like a tank.

Sonically, it's a very good sounding piece of equipment. I plugged my s910 into it in stereo, something I never do with my Compact. I can't say that I noticed anything different in that category, but then again I had the amp set about 10ft to my left side. What I did notice was that the keyboards were a bit clearer and had a little more definition than I hear with the Bose. I decided to run my mic directly into the Roland instead of the keyboard. I liked what I heard most of the time.

I'm pretty much judging the BA-330 against my L1 Compact. Let me say that I 'think' I still prefer the Bose. Why? Sound dispersion is supeior in the Compact. The very first comment I heard today was from some crochety old woman who said, loud enough to be heard, "this is too loud." Mind you, if I heard that comment about my Bose with the volumes set the way I had them today, I'd say it was only her crabbiness. But because I had a new setup, I was a bit more cautious.

I do have to say that the Roland has that traditional out front sound, and it sounds terrific, but it's not a Bose sound. I think the sound quality is very close, but again I think the Bose disperses the sound better while the Roland has an excellent traditional PA sound. I feel I need to be more cautious when setting the dials for the Ba-330 so I don't run into chippiness or boominess, problems I rarely run ito with the Compact.

In all, I'm much impressed with BA-330. I ran it very conservatively and got a much better than expected sound. It's way better than the CM-30s or the PW-50's I have used - AND, it's one unit (which I like). For $400-600, this is a no brainer for anyone who plays small rooms. And judging from Frankieve's HK-Nano review, this is still the better bang for the buck. I look forward to using it again and fine tuning the sound to make it even better.

Ps- I didn't really buy this unit to replace my Bose Compact. I actually bought it as a back up and as something to keep on hand at church for those rare moments when I need a small, versatile amp. But now the BA-330's sound has given me pause. I now have the dilema of which small PA to use. Luckily, I can't go wrong with either choice.

Good Luck Cass......the BA330 offers a bit more versatility also then the Bose compact.Its like a Swiss Army Knife. Enjoy!!

I've been thinking about getting one these or a powered speaker to serve as a KB monitor for band work and a PA for low/moderate volume OMB stuff... Cass, do you think the BA 330 is loud enough for a KB monitor for a full band?

Paul, I think I could have easily used it as a personal monitor with my sax, guitar, keyboard trio. The BA is surprisingly strong (loud) for being 30 watts. Today's technology produces some exciting noise. I considered a powered 12" two-way, but would probably have to add a mixer (for OMB work). As Donny said, the unit is very versatile: stereo, 4(6) channels with reverb/delay, lots of in/outs AND all in a single unit weighing under 30 lbs. The fact that it angles up easily or can be mounted on a speaker pole makes it all the more versatile. The best advice I can give is to compare it yourself, if you can. I bought mine sight unseen based on SZ and other reviews only, but then again my needs are somewhat different than yours. 1) It is a good sounding, strong and versatile unit. 2) It is not made for large spaces, but can be linked to other equipment easily. Good luck.

I use the BA330 in many ways...one being a monitor with the band...My keyboards, and mic control comes from the BA330 and feeds our PA system...The levels are set from the BA330, and the Volume master control on the BA330..controls the BA330 volume only and not the feed to the PA system..

It can also serve as reinforcement or displace more sound to areas..

Fran, I want to thank you for being a stallwart supporter of the BA-330 from the very start. I know your opinions are pretty right on. I couldn't believe the 330 could be as good as you said. After all, the other Roland mini line is versatile, but not very big or powerful. I thought that if it was run by batteries, it couldn't be that good. Well, it is and again I thank you for all the good advice you freely give.

Cass the battery option is just an alterno to the AC power supply.....for example using an acoustic guitar electric and Bs330 outside where there is no power.........sidewalk gig..etc

Cass the battery option is just an alternative to the AC power supply.....for example using an electric acoustic Guitar/ Batt powered KB, & Mic w/fx, or add an iPod or laptop, and the Ba330 outside where there is no power,.........
eg:..sidewalk gig, garden cocktail hr,..etc,...

Yes, Donny and you assumed I didn't know that? I only mentioned the battery option because the resulting output is surprising. Also, most of us probably associate batteries with cheapness or lower output.

Cass...nothing cheap about the Ba330....people get fooled by the 30 watts....lol