Is the Fantom Xa really just a beefed up Fantom S?

[raisindot]

Sorry if this topic was brought up before, but I just read Keyboard's review of the Xa and they stated that the Xa is not a true Fantom X at all--it's basically a hybrid, built on the Fantom S platform and waveforms with some newer X-era waveforms and patches added, along with the supeior sampling features of the X series. However, most tellingly, Keyboard states the "superior" Fantom X pianos are not available on it.

I was thinking of upgrading to an Xa before this review, but now I'm not inclined to do it at all. If Keyboard's assetion is true, then Roland is misleading consumers by repacking older technology with a new technology name. That it's built on the S engine is not evident in any of the Roland site material, nor any of their collateral.

This isn't to say that the Xa itself isn't a great value workstation in itself. The Keyboard review was very positive overall. But veteran Roland users--especially those of us still in the legacy XV land--demand a much higher level of disclosure when we're considering upgrading from an older to a newer technology.

Can anyone support or refute Keyboard's assertion by looking at tech specs in the Xa manual? Wouldn't it say which engine it's built on?

Jeff in Boston

[The_Czar]

If it can take SRX cards, then you can spend an additional 200 or so for the 11 and then you have sweet pianos and you still got out for less than a regular X6

Smoke Club!

[buzzbro]

No, the Xa, is a scaled down Fantom-S in most ways. The Fantom-S has a larger screen, more user memory, no wal-wart power supply, better quality keybed, touchpads, more expansion slots, and is better built.

The Xa does have more poly 128 vs 64, and it has the updated media reader of the Fantom-X.


IMO, the S is pro quality and featues. The Xa, is mid level.

Fantom-S vs Fantom Xa is very much akin to Korg Triton vs Triton LE.

So, having an X in it's name is misleading. It's really a Fantom-S LE, so to speak.

bb

[sambasevam]

what buzzbro said.

Even though some people (like me) argue that 64 voices ain't enough, given its other features and its wonderful keybed, i'd go for the Fantom S over the Xa anyday.



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