Here's my take as I own both Wersi and Lionstracs:

1. Basic Operation

Both have similar features but the Wersi's GUI is so well laid out anyone can run it without cracking a manual. The Wersi has lots more real time controls, more sliders, and more dedicated buttons. This further simplifies the navigation. All those real time controls add to the cost but the benefits far outweigh the cost.

2. Split Points

Like the Wersi the Mediastation does have dedicated buttons to choose between whole or split mode. The Wersi split functions are more elaborate and easier accessed.

3. Editing Features

Both have extensive editing but the Wersi has more elaborate screens for the sounds, synthesizer, style, and sequencer pages. The Wersi main screen also has more information available so the user can easily see what is going on.

4. Style sections

Both can play the same styles as well as import styles from other manufacturers. The Wersi does have Real Drums which is a nice feature. Lionstracs can play two WAV or MP3 files simultaneously. Both can do pitch shift and timestretch in real time.

5. VST instruments

Both can play numerous VST's but Wersi's VST integration is superior. Once loaded into the Wersi VST sounds can be recalled like any other factory sound, simply press a sound button and you are ready to go.

6. Sounds

The Wersi wins hands down when it comes to the factory sound library (I'm not counting GIGA or Kontakt files). Wersi has some of the finest Orchestral and Acoustic instruments of any keyboard. Both the Mediastation and Wersi can load GIGA, Kontakt, WAV, and other sound and audio files. The sound output of the Lionstracs has more headroom and is more dynamic than any keyboard I have heard. Even Korgs Oasys doesn't have the dynamics and headroom of the Mediastation.

6. Build Quality

The build quality of the Lionstracs is very good but its not comparable to the Wersi. Wersi seriously overengineered their case. German technology at its finest! The weight can be an issue with some because the Wersi is so heavy.

7. Ease of Use

The Wersi wins hands down over any arranger made. All keyboards should be this simple to use! A great user interface is one of the things you are paying for when buying a Wersi.

8. Speakers/Sound System

Wersi has an incredible multi-speaker audio system built in that rivals any arranger speaker system I've heard. Lionstracs has no audio system available.

9. Lamps

Lionstracs has two built in sockets for little lamps so seeing the keyboard in dark conditions is much easier. Wersi has no lamp sockets.

10. Price

Wersi's design is more intuitive and its factory sounds are superior but the Lionstracs costs about half the money and does nearly the same functions. One could buy a Mediastation, additonal VST's and sound libraries, and still the price would be less than the basic Wersi Abacus. Lionstracs wins hands down for price alone.



[This message has been edited by Ensnareyou (edited 11-22-2006).]