Thanks Donny & Steve! "...And the beat goes on..."

Here is some unsolicited advice from a killjoy for all those considering a SX900. The SX900 is not going to be a "night and day" difference over the old PSR-975. Let's look at the evidence.

SX900 has a better screen which is a nice upgrade if you want and need it. SX900 has a chord looper. Some pros, like Diki, tout this as a fantastic feature and it seems to be getting a lot of press. I have one on my PA900 and never use it-it's too fiddley. Your mileage may vary.

SX900 has better drums (no Revo) which are nice. But you lose audio drums-some don't care and you may be able to load them in the SX900. SX900 has better output options if you need them. SX900 has same old harmony as PSR-975. SX900 has new Playlist but it still is just a list of registrations although it may be an improvement over the old system. Sounds-very little difference. There is a video somewhere that shows a guy comparing a Tyros 5 to a 970 (I believe it was) using the 970 speakers for both. Difference? Almost undetectable.

There is a law of diminishing returns. So is the SX900 worth $600 or whatever the difference is over the 975? That is up to each individual. Diki is getting one I believe because he wants the chord looper and Roland is not making arrangers (yet) that are comparable to his current BK-9. That is a valid reason. Another valid reason is if you want the new touch screen and OS and are willing and able to pay for it. Another valid reason is you are rich and not worried about the money.

Don't think I have not succumbed to the "new keyboard fever." I am still mad at myself for spending what I did on m PA900 (in my situation as a home "dabbler"). I could have bought a guitar that would have lasted me for the rest of my life with that money. But the keyboard will either be obsolete or quit working before then. I probably should have bought a used BK5 and suffered with the screen.

But my point is-buy the SX900 if you have a valid reason as I have defined "valid" above. But if you do buy it, don't expect a "night and day" difference over your old board or you will be disappointed.

The key feel is enough to make a night and day difference for me. Up to now, there was NO psr series that I could stand to play, regardless of sound, or features.
So, add the touch screen, and it's a no brainer for me.

And you're a pro, so you don't really need to justify it. As well as you play and sing you should have whatever you want. My post is really directed to home hobby guys (like myself) who shouldn't be spending this kind of money and are caught up in the hype.

Thanks for the kind words, but even a casual player will appreciate the longer keystroke, and more solid feel. It adds to expression. I have high hopes for this board. As much as I love my PA4x, the silent slab approach (no speakers) has always been hard for me. It's not awful, but it's a bigger adjustment with speaker/monitor placement. Having on board speakers in my face mean that I can use one or two S1s in the best position for the room, and not compromise on my sweet spot.

Personally I sought of like it (Sx900)...but when I keep comparing the features against what I now need an arranger for I am tossed between the SX900, Genos, & my third KORG Pa4x......I am glad I have the time via my pre order before it arrives in mid NOV when it comes to decide or I might just say the heck with it and go another way with one
of the 3 mentioned that would work better for my needs going forward.
we'll see..

Yes, I forgot about the improved keys and the speakers in my analysis.

also the SX900 does not have audio style capability I've read?

How do you mean?

The SX900 doesn't have any built in, but it does play them.

I've got the T5 to Genos ones loaded into memory and they sound fantastic.

I though I had read that somewhere.....thank you Fran for setting the record straight on audio style play ability on SX900.....
I apologize for the misinformation and stand corrected..