I'm with Ian on this one. I kept my expectations for the S900 in check, and the basic specs that have so far been released has met (and slightly exceeded) those expectations.

It's hard to improve on already great sounding technology - I loved my PSR3000, and as I already mentioned, it's a cracking keyboard - even by today’s standards.

For me, the ultimate test on how 'great' a keyboard is, is the quality of the voices. Obviously things like keyboard feel, poly, features and usability also play a big factor - no doubt about it, but for me personally the sound quality is the most important thing.

I can fully appreciate that other members here were expecting more from the S900 for the 3 years that it has been in development, and they are quite right to do so, but until we actually hear some live demos we might just find that it has more in common with the T2 (from a sound standpoint) than the initial specs seem to suggest.

Even if it turns out to be simply a 3000 with 23 new SA voices and new styles, then that's still ok by me - that's all I was expecting and hoping for

Also, lets remember that the S900 will be the same(ish) price as the 3000 currently retails for. It's ultimately a mid-range keyboard and Yamaha have to save the big features for their top-end Tyros range, otherwise nobody would invest in a T2 if the S900 had all/most of the same specs. It's about striking a balance between the low, mid and top ranges, and for me Yamaha has done this.

Just seen that one of the largest online UK retailers have the S900 on their site for £1080 - just £80 more than the 3000 currently sells for:

http://www.chamberlainmusic.com/results.asp?cat=KBYAMP

Not bad at all, and less than half the price of a T2. I'm now sold, and will be getting an S900 in July

Regards
James


[This message has been edited by F161 (edited 04-04-2007).]