Alesis QS8.2 or Kurzweil PC1x?

[setabkcin]

Which keyboard would be better? The Alesis QS8.2 or the Kurzweil PC1x? Or is there something better than both that is an 88 weighted key in the $1000 - $1500ish roice range? I want a nice Orchestra sound, escpecially strings. I've played the QS8.2 and loved it, but I hear that Kurzweils have great sound modules. Which would be better for orchestra and which is better overall? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Atterion]

Get the QS 8.2 Best 88 key for $1000. Period!!! You'll really like the Alsesis expansion cards too.

[P120Dude]

I own a Kurzweil PC88, and the Strings are beatiful, and so are the Acoustic Pianos. Therefore, I am going to recommend the PC1x over the Alesis.

Chris

[warble]

I second the Kurzweil PC1x - definitely better than the Alesis. Never been a big fan of the Alesis synths or sounds. I'll admit that Alesis may offer more "bang for the buck", but I'd toss in some extra cash and go for quality.

Best thing to do though: get to a local music store that might carry either one, the other, or both and PLAY them. I've never purchased a synth without playing it for awhile first and comparing - except for my Yamaha S80. Bought that one on reviews and knowing that Yamaha made quality stuff.

Good Luck to you!

[The Green Hornet]

More money usually buys better sounds. However, the one thing I fault about Alesis boards is the small viewing screen.

I had an Alesis SP board--not bad sounds but the screen was made for the eyes of an eagle and you had to sit at a certain angle in order to see the screen's printout. Bah, Humbug on Alesis.

Green Hornet

[rjt]

I have had an original Alesis QS8 for many years. I leave the Orchestral and Analog expansion cards in it. It is very solid, plays well and has never given me any problems. For $1000 to $1500 you aren't going to get great sounds... but you can get good ones. The Alesis has good "Bread and Butter" sounds that often sit surprisingly well in a mix. They are also really good as secondary sounds to fatten-up another synth.

The best advice is to check both out at a music store and buy the one you like the best! Good luck.

[mixedMedium]

A few weeks ago I used a PC1X as a "loaner" while a Yamaha S90 was in the shop, and after having it for a week I was sad to get my S90 back....the Kurz is SOOOOO much better.

The VOX, pianos, strings and organs are outstanding.

But the Alesis is certainly not bad...the Ion and Andromeda are two of the best synths there are. Can't speak of Alesis' rompler qualities, though.

[setabkcin]

Thanks for the help guys. Let me know if anyone has any other ideas.

[Sterling30]

I'm considering a Kurzweil PC1X also or the PC2X.., my main interest is in the orchrastra sounds, is there be any difference between the two?