It was the same with Pa600 - Pa900. First the entry level model, build some base of users, get the initial feedback and then two-three months later the higher model release. This is the regular pattern in sales. Certainly with Korg seems to be.
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Yamaha S770, Studio One 3, EMU 0404USB, ESI, ATH, Dell. And others.
I heard there is a delay also jan - feb 2018 or so...rumor has it Korg is trying to time it right with the release of the motl Yamaha S970 replacement also....
I think Korg wanted to get the word out that there was a new motl arranger rolling off the assembly line but the question of when will it be available is still up in the air and possibly because they want to showcase it at winter NAMM 2018 first as a way to generate even more enthusiasm which would hopefully result in even more sales once it has been released. The Pa-1000 offers a lot of bang for the buck and therefore it should be a hot ticket item initially. I watched a few videos of it in action and it sounded pretty good to my ears. The speakers are supposed to be excellent by the way. I think Yamaha will wait until summer NAMM to release a s970 successor. That gives Korg about a six month window and head start but once the Yammie is released I think it will garner a lot of attention and may even dominate the field. It will likely incorporate a touch screen and likely have more powerful speakers and the drum kits should also be improved. The Korg has a sampler and micro editing which are two of its biggest advantages. The cost difference between the two should be minor. One of the biggest advantages of Yamaha arrangers is the particularly large database of styles, registrations, voices and multi-pads shared within the community. May the best board win.
All the best,
Mike
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Yamaha Genos, Mackie HR824 MKII Studio Monitors, Mackie 1202 VLZ Pro Mixer (made in USA), Cakewalk Sonar Platinum, Shure SM58 vocal mic.