well, I can't say for sure but I remember yamaha's s900 when up $100 in march and I can only think that maybe cost of manufacturing went up, parts, etc who knows. But as Donny stated before. you have a choice, don't buy it. This is a never ending arguement. I know for sure the $1799 for the s900 is a steal with all its sounds, styles and features. I think if your going to spend $1699, another $100 is well worth it.

Also If your comparing arrangers vs workstations, I think that they are two different animals.