I gave it another chance. It does a lot of things right, but I few things I don't like as well as on the other arrangers I have.
First, The sounds are fantastic; love those Pedal Steel Guitars...
The on board speakers are excellent, but I rarely use them.
The vocal processor is really good. The Vocal Harmonizer sounds good enough for my use.
It has lots of new styles and sounds
Love the oohs and aahhs.
Love the keys.
Love the intros and endings and fills and breaks, and multipad content.
But here's why I'm not keeping it:
I have gotten spoiled to being able to have dedicated buttons and sliders for virtually every function I use. Everything is easier for me on both the Korg and Roland.
I could spend a couple of weeks setting everything up and I'd most likely be happy, but I don't want to do that right now.
It's the LITTLE things, such as printing at the top of the keyboard where the connections are located...having an indicator light to show whether the vocal harmonizer is engaged... a Leslie emulation that works with preset voices...dedicated sliders to adjust style and lead part volumes on the fly...more foot switch connections...location of the USB ports...no XLR mic input...no phantom power...having to go into a menu to adjust the key on audio files, using the transpose button doesn't work there.
Most of these features are on the Korg PA4x, which I admit is twice as much money, so should be better. However the keys on the Korg are heavier than I like, as is the keyboard itself, so I was looking to replace it.
The EA7 is really good, but no text display, no vocal harmonizer, no real break/fills.
So for now I'll play the Korg at my regular job and have the EA7 for any extra jobs or when I need to move my "stuff".
It's great that there are no bad choices, only what works best for the individual!

Great review Don, should be helpful to those still on the fence.

Don, while I haven't even seen an Sx900, I would think that yours is an excellent analysis of a board and how it fits - or doesn't fit - your needs ...

Once again thank you for telling us your likes and dislikes. If and when I upgrade I will be considering all of the info you have provided. Right now I'm leaning toward the EA7. Doesn't really matter as I have no $ saved up to buy anything right now anyway. I'll just keep on working on my 3000.

Those "little things" you mention, Don, aren't little at all when your trying to work a room. Stick with that Pa4x. Different league.

Dam it Don, you always sound so sure of your keyboard you are selecting. And you sound so logical. I need a month before I am sure I made the right decision.

OK, the next time I am thinking of buying a keyboard
I’m calling you. (smile)

John C.

John, I remember a while back you were missing the S975. I think you’ll be happy with the SX900. It sounds better than the 975 and the touch screen is a welcome addition. Hope it works out for you!
Mitch

Don.... Too bad it didn't meet your needs
Oh well at least you gave it a try...
Carry on..

All those little things you mention are all strong points that keep me keeping the Pa4x. For me the heavier keys are a real plus.

Love (and will keep) my PA4X! But the heavier Korg weight and lack of speakers are reasons the Yammie PSRs are nice to have in the rack as well. So many choices....so little time.