luk,

I agree with Terry. The 2000 isn't really competition to the PA80, but maybe it is to the PA60. I think a lot of the same way you do about the 2000 vs the PA80 by the way, but I had additional issues with my own 2000 ( bad bugs ) that made me even more biased against it ( for my own use ).

Ultimately, beyond the 2000 "bug" issues, I realized that disparity in sounds / styles and the key feel were the key factors in deciding ehich board to use ( I had both at the time ) and since I preferred the PA80 in all of these areas, for me, the choice to stay with the PA80 was a "no brainer". The downside ( for some .. I actually enjoyed it ), was having to do a lot of work to make the OS " work for me ". Once I set up my performances, replaced or modified styles as I saw fit, and got everything else in order, I found the PA80 to be a breeze to use in real time. No matter what though, I could live and get around an "awkward " OS, but there isn't anything I can do to change sounds and a key feel that doesn't please me.

Maybe for you, neither board will work. Then you may need to look at some others. The PSR9000, while no longer a "current" board, was quite the work horse in it's own right. Key feel is a lot better than on the 2000. The downside is that the thing weighs about 57 lbs, so some players find it a chore if they have to transport it often. The other possible downside is that I don;t know that you'll notice a tremendous improvement in sounds over the 2000 luk. You'd have to try one for yourself. I like the 9000, and would like to have one, but I wouldn't trade away my PA80 for it.

An alternative might be the Ketron XD9. They aren't as easy to find but some players rave about the sounds and styles. I have never seen one so I don't know much else. The Roland VA76 is another pretty good arranger that is worth a look. I spent a couple of hours with it not too long ago. Liked the sounds and styles, not sure if I'm sold on the variphrase technology. Also where is the vocalizer ? ( does it have one..?? the store "guy" didn't know much about the thing ). Another possible downside if it matters... its still is going for about 2,500.

There are the Technics ( expensive ) and Gem lines ( Genesys also expensive but unique in many ways ) out there are as well luk. The problem that many of us have is finding some of these boards to demo. Good luck to you.

AJ