Speakers on the previous series Yamaha Arrangers: I have owned Yamaha Arrangers starting with the PSR-S520 and the best sound experience I have had were with the S900. I used to play in small venues with about 50-70 people and never needed a PA. Comparitively playing/rehearsing in the same venue with the S970 and there was a difference. The S970 always had to be cranked to almost full volume and that would result in distortion etc. For me the onboard speakers are a deciding factor. Right now I own the Korg PA1000 since about 6 months but on the verge of selling it. The speakers on 'em are not the best but many steps ahead of the S970.