On Yamaha keyboards, as well as many other keyboard makes/models, many sounds rely heavily on special stereo efx processing to give them their impressive sound quality. Unfortunately, when the sound is mixed together to a single channel mono output (L/L+R), not only do you lose the stereo effect, but phase canceling results, and a severely degraded (thin)sound quality occurs as well. I particularly notice this on the 'live' Grand Piano instrument voice as well other voices which rely on efx processing.

In light of this, I decided to follow in Beakybird's (Larry Levin) footsteps and pre-ordered (with a 30 day risk free trial) from our forum buddy Dan O'Neil (at the Piano Man), a "Motion Sound" model KP-100S 'all in one unit' stereo speaker amp which claims to addresses the very problem I outlined above, as it contains 2 stereo speaker inputs in a single lightweight PA cabinet. It also includes a special 'stereo image enhancer' feature which accentuates the stereo field so the audience hears the effect of stereo yet I'll only need to take ONE relatively lightweight (38 lb) PA box. I had considered getting the larger (55 lb) KP-200S (which the Pro owns), but would prefer the lighter weight KP-100S to be used for smaller venues. For med-larger affairs, I would continue to take the two EV SxA100's, and perhaps augment them with the Motion Sound KP-100S as well.

The KP-100S won't be available for release till April, but because I pre-ordered I expect to get mine (along with Beakybird's) in the first shipment.

I'm interested in getting detailed feedback from 'the Pro' and others who have experience with Motion-Sound keyboard speakers. How large room (and number of people) do you think the Motion Sound KP-100S vs the KP-200S will handle? Do you think the KP-100S will be adequate for smaller venues (up to 40 people)? The KP-100S also allows you to add a sub woofer. Do you think the KP-100S has enough powere/punch w/o adding a sub woofer for the more acoustic jazz gigs?

I also heard that the Motion Sound KP-200S recently recieved a good review in Keyboard Player (Feb 2003 issue). Here's a link to Motion Sound's website:
http://motion-sound.com

Feedback & comments appreciated.

Scott