With the Canadian dollar doing so poorly against the U.S. dollar, TOTL arrangers like the Tyros 5 and the new Korg PA4X are priced at record highs. I got a good price on my Tyros 5 when the dollar was at par a couple of years ago.
A mid-range arranger make for a good alternative, especially value for the money for the features you get. I find some of the smaller independent music stores are willing to bring the price down a bit, while some of the chain stores have their prices locked in.
Forget about shipping a keyboard from the States, with shipping, exchange, taxes and duty added to the price. If you are looking to purchase an arranger in Canada, check out Kijiji classifieds. Saw some great deals, but takes a while for something more local to show up. Advantage here is, the seller usually only gently used the keyboard in their home and you skip the taxes while working out a great price.
Marcus
I live in Laval, Quebec, minutes north of Montreal, where I was born and raised. Keyboard prices here for the Tyros 5/61 were $5,300 or more the last time I checked, and $5,700 or more for the 76 key version.
I find these prices prohibitive, that's why I'm looking at the PSR-S970, or the Korg Pa4X, if I sell my Motif XF, which I'd rather not do.
If I were rich, I'd keep my Motif, buy a Tyros 5 (as the arranger), a Kurzweil PC3k or PC3A (for its orcheastral sounds)
and maybe an Integra-7 module (for its SuperNatural acoustic sounds and SRX boards - orchestral sounds). Then, at least musically, I'd be happy!
I was considering buying online for the first time (Audiworks or Sweetwater) for their better prices, but if you say it's not worth it, maybe I'll buy local again. I know someone who is the manager at Long and McQuade. He used to be the owner at ItalMelodie in Montreal where I bought all three of my previous keyboards, including the Motif XF. Maybe, he'll give me a good deal.
As far as buying used is concerned, I'd rather not. I've checked Kijiji before, and, like you say, it's very rare to find what you're looking for.
Now, I'm just waiting to see when I can dish out some cash, without it disturbing my wife's feathers too much.
Thanks for your help, Marcus!