http://www.korg.com/us/products/synthesizers/pa1000/specifications.php

It has the chord sequencer, but no EC5 socket. .
lack of connection of an EC5 is easy to be compensated with an external, extensively configurable controller (also with USB controller as Nanocontrol).

EC5 - only adjustable globally - I always considered to be a less valuable tool. Maybe most Pa3x-player use EC5 fixed to 4 Fill-Ins und Break, because switches of EC5 only are adjustable in globals, ie permanently. Same occurs with original pedal/footswitch without possibility to adjust them individual for performances / kbdSets.
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There would be the best opportunity to use flexibility to design a variety of music areas. Split points, chord recognition and many other functions could be used individually in Korgs Pa-models per performance (kbd-set), sb-entry or even in STS.

Only to use important tools globally is not useful in my opinion.
If it is also a pity that these functions were not included in any update of the Pa3x, it is almost thoughtlessly to ignore that in current model series.

Even worse with the latest model Pa1000 with VP-Presets and style performances are banished to globals, instead of possibility to use them variable within the kbd Sets

i was dead set on the pa 700...mainly due to the fact that the price is right...but you're probably right about the buyers remorse...and now i'm wavering

In the end, it is better to have features and not use them than need them and not have them(to a price point).

I'd say just go for the Pa1000 and enjoy every moment,
you wont be sorry!

good luck

If you don't need the vocal harmony I say go with the 700 and save $700.

theres much so much more then just VH read the specs..

That's true, but he stated that price is a concern and VH is the main feature he would be losing.

What i find most interesting about the PA1000 is that you can connect an external keyboard via USB. The only other keyboard i know of that offers this capability is the Korg Kronos. This could be very useful for adding a piano-action lower board that lacks DIN MIDI ports (which is the way things seem to be going these days), or something like a Roland Aerophone wind controller.

That's nice to know. Korg listens, but Yamaha doesn't.

Marcus

So the new Korg Pa1000 is like the Pa4x but with speakers?