I have the way older brother to that keyboard, the PA800. That keyboard is 10-12 years old now, and I've been longing to replace it. I decided last year that the PA4X was going to be the replacement for it, but they discontinued it before I was able to make a purchase. I've been waiting for this keyboard. I didn't realize how much of a leap it was going to be from the PA4X to the 5X.

Here in the United States, what I found most interesting was the difference between the PA4X, the PA5X and the Yamaha Genos in pricing. All three keyboards do not have an included speaker system, so you need to purchase that in addition to the keyboard. I think the speakers are about the same price near $400, but don't hold me to that.

The PA4X 76, the version I wanted, the last I saw, was $4,799 (Which was up about $400 from the lowest I saw new). The PA5X 76 is $4,899, or an increase of only $100 (or $500, depending on how you look, last PA4X price, or earlier, lower pricing). The Genos is $5,999!

AC Hamilton music in the UK did a demo of the differences between the sounds of the PA4X and the Genos, and I find that the sounds of the Genos are more processed, more 'air play ready' sort of deal, where as the Korgs, even my old PA800, the samples are less processed. I'm not saying either way is better than the other, it's a matter of taste. Personally, I'd rather add the effects later on, but then I don't play live where having it done in the samples would be helpful.

I think the PA5X however is a huge step forward. Korg has basically redesigned their entire arranger concept in this keyboard. The only thing that I see that is missing is a jack for the EC-5 controller, which is a five pedal switch board that you could assign the switches as required. I can live without it, but those that do live playing may miss it.

There was a lot of complaints about the PA5X being so long to replace the PA4X. Now that it's here, I think it might very well have been worth the wait. I rather suspect that both Yamaha and Roland are picking their collective jaws up off of the floor right about now.

Gary

I'm blessed watching God do what He does best. I've had a few rough years, and I'm still not back to where I want to be, but I'm on the way and things are looking far better now than what they were!