BIOchip said:
wow almost seems to me the qs6.1 is better the the qs6.2... why is this?
Like I said before, the x.2 series was not a real upgrade but a downgrade of sorts. The higher bit resolution is a plus (especially for the FX section), however the original samples are still 16bit/44.1kHz, so it shouldn't make too much of a difference there. Everything else is stripped down hardware (less ports). Also note they didn't make a 76-key version this time around (no QS7.2).
It seems to me Alesis only released this upgrade to keep continuing QS customers happy with new QS product and warranty (instead of taking a chance buying used 6.1 off eBay).... while they were putting R&D into new products like the ION, Micron, and Fusion. Also, QS continues to be a cash cow for them, continuously outselling IONs, Microns, and Fusions!
I would personally recommend 6.1 over 6.2 if these extra hardware goodies mean anything to you. But if you are basically happy with the sounds, only need one card slot, and don't intend on using Soundbridge to import samples to PCMCIA cards, then 6.2 will work just fine. I think 6.1 can usually be had for under $400, about the same for 6.2 because it's newer even though less full-featured.
One thing I can say about the 88-note QS boards is that they are still the most compact 88-key full-blown synth (i.e. not just a digital piano). Not exactly light, but it's pretty hard to find any 88-key hammer action full-blown synth for under 50 lbs. It is smaller from front-to-back and side-to-side than Motif, Fantom, Triton, etc. largely because the pitchbend wheels are above, not to the left of the keys. The Motif is especially oversized for what it is (why are keyboards getting bigger not smaller? to impress?). Please don't say it's because of more memory, sequencer, and features. Most of that is in the software. The contents of a Motif could easily fit into a QS sized casing if they really bothered to try.