Hi,

I just read somewhere that Yamaha has put out a patent for the ability to also be able to handle audio in a new form of midi. Not too long ago, I would have been seriously exited by this.

However, having both the Audya & the S950, and having spent much time with each of them, I honestly no longer notice the difference between good midi & real audio. I never thought I would say this, but after spending serious time with the S950 & tweaking it as much as I could, the Audya is starting to sound rather dull. Also, I'm beginning to notice the same audio loops in some different sections of the various styles. And this is against the S950 & not even against the Tyros5! The ONLY thing that will improve that would be better styles that would be able to compete with those of Yamaha. The Audya is an AWESOME machine, but seriously lacks the versatility of the thousands of very good Yamaha styles.

It's ALL about good styles. a GOOD midi only style can do just about everything that audio can, and in this department Yamaha is the absolute current leader - PERIOD! And what Yamaha lacks in ordinary midi, they make up for with their enhanced Mega, Cool, Sa1, Sa2 & other similar midi voices. This is totally another concept than audio, but it yields nearly the same results. Then they spend the rest of their efforts in creating extra ordinary styles, with intros & endings to match the quality of the style. And they stretch their Mega guitar technology to the limits where it is present in the majority of their styles. And boy, what a difference it makes for...

In any case, just my two cents worth on this subject. And I always put down proof of every statement I make. If you do not agree with me, lay down some of your personal, live, one take performances on the "Why I like my brand..." topic so that we can compare.

I don't want to post this over there as it would turn it into another "mine is better than yours" thread & this will take out all sincere & objective perspective from it.

Henni