Larry,

I've owned more than a dozen, high-quality, sound systems during the past two decades--all of which sounded good at the time, and they all served me very well during the time I used them. Until I took the Leap Of Faith and purchased the L1 I had no idea what could be accomplished using today's technology.

I HAVE used a pair of L1s, and yes, they sounded great. However, a pair of L1s didn't sound twice as good as a single L1. Not only did it add to the load I was already carrying, but additionally, the setup time increased as well. And, after setting up a pair of L1s, with a system placed 4-feet on each side of the keyboard, the only person that really benefited from stereo was ME! It only took a few seconds of walking throughout the huge venue to determine that the only perceptible change was in overall volume--the stereo effect was lost just 10 feet in front of the stage. AND, the audience could have cared less whether I was playing in stereo or mono--they were there to have a party and dance the night away, which is what they did. The second L1 went back to the place it was purchased the following day, and I have never looked back.

If you already own a sound system that sounds as good as the L1, provides the clarity and equal distribution of volume, then there is absolutely no reason for you to buy one--stick with what you have.

The Z-5500 is an outstanding, conventional, 5.1 surround-sound system. Performers throughout the world have been using them since the system became available--including myself. It's powerful, extremely clear and crisp, lightweight, and inexpensive. It can be modified to improve the midrange sounds, which both myself and Pose have demonstrated, the speaker connections can be changed to facilitate easier and faster setup times, and despite claims by non-owners about the system not being able to stand up to a heavy performance schedule, it seems to have held up quite well for thousands of full-time performers that are currently using it at a variety of venues.

The choice is yours. Stick with what you have, or try something new.

Good Luck on your decision,

Gary