Hi TGALF,
I had a PA80 for a couple of months. Now have a PSR2000. Must say up front I am slightly prejudiced for Yamaha because they are so much easier to play in real time.
Anyway I'll give my opinions of your questions, for what they are worth. (FREE)


1. Sound Quality- Is Korg really the first mid priced Arranger that is built on a professional sound engine? WOuld Yamaha use the PSR sound engine in their professional keyboards? (I know sound is subjective but overall impression is what I am looking for).

Korg sounds are good, but so are Yamaha---very subjective. There are some sounds I prefer on each keyboard.

2. Keyboard Style Versatility- are we stuck with the built in styles; who has better support new styles; which has the better quality styles overall?

Thousands of style for Yamaha are freely available. There are also lots of Korg styles around, but not all work easily in the PA80. Korg styles are generally more involved, longer (up to 12 measures). Yamaha styles are simpler but more versatile.
Yamaha has greater selection of fills, intros, endings. If your making your own styles, Korg allows you to build differing patterns according to chord type (for example, minor, major 7 minor7, dim, etc.)
Yamaha allows extensive editing, and seems to be a little easier. Again, I'm used to working with Yamaha.

3. Inputs/Vocal effects/Karoake- Does one of these kayboards do an abviously better job when a mic is plugged in? Does the Yamaha have only 1 input? Which has the better Karoake functions?

Yamaha wins the mic question hands down, in my opinion. Has dedicated mic e.q., effects, compressor, noise gate. Only one input, but you can run a line in from a mixer and use as many mics as you want.
Korg has two inputs. The harmonizer on the Korg is primitive compared to Yamaha. It sounds good, but there are no options to change harmony types, gender, number of voices--no editing of harmonizer, at least yet. The Korg recognizes .kar files in addition to .mid files. .kar files must be converted to .mid before Yamaha will read them. Korg has an add-on Video Out board available. 2000 doesn't. It is built into 9000 and Pro.

4. Built-in speakers- is one obviusly better than the other or are they both similar in this area?

Both are good. I think 2000's are louder, but this may not be correct.

5. Sequencer- which has the better grade sequencer for importing/exporting and editing reqular sequences?

I didn't really explore either sequencer much, other than to play back. The Korg has two sequencers so you could fade in/fade out songs. Yamaha has Easy Record mode. Just punch a button and start recording. You can later go back and add more tracks. I don't remember if Korg has this feature. Probably does.

The difference in price becomes more apparent if I have to but the vocal/guitar input board for the Korg. What are some of the best prices in the USA?

2000 is around $1100-1200, depending on package. Don't know Korg best price.
[/B][/QUOTE]

Other observations: Korg has Joystick Controller, Yamaha has two wheels. I sorta like the Joystick, but am used to the wheels.
Yamaha has two foot assignable foot pedals. With Korg, you will definitely need the optional 5-switch pedal. I had trouble finding one locally, and they are rather expensive.
Korg main pluses (to my way of using it): Joystick, live drum sounds.
Yamaha main pluses: Vocal functions, ease of operation.
Good luck with your decision. You really need to spend time with each of them before you decide what's best for you. There are several places that will give return or exchange privileges.
DonM