Alesis Fusion or Expanded Yamaha Motif ES

The title sort of explains my question, but I'll add some detail.

Fusion with expanded RAM

vs.

Motif ES with expanded RAM and a couple of PLG cards

With the price on the Motif ES down and the cheapness of ram, even if you paid MAP for the PLG cards you'd still only be spending about 400-500 bucks more for the Yamaha. Is it worth it?

thanks,

Dirk

Depends what you want to do with it...

If I had to dump my motif es or dump my fusion - the fusion would get dumped - yes its way more capable, though they both can do FM and VA (DX7 or VA plg cards for the es), but I just find the es has useable essential stock sounds, even if the fusion is a way more versatile board.

Actually, you might want to approach this another way - Fusion + Motif ES rack, or Fantom XR vs Motif ES or Fantom X.

I havnt checked the prices recently, but last time I did, fusion + sound module combos were kind of a best of both worlds answer that cost about the same as a yamaha or roland 88 key (assuming 88 key fusion).

BTW - editing plg cards is a complete pain in the ass. If VA and/or FM matters to you - then go for the fusion. If stock rompler sounds are what matters most, then go for the ES.

Otherwise get your ass to a store and figure out which is easiest for you to use.

Fusion with a rack module is a good idea. If you mainly want the plg boards, you could get an original motif rack (not ES), and save even more money.

Roland makes some lower priced racks too.

Like Khazul says, editing, and keeping track of VA, FM and PM is easier in the Fusion than with the plg boards. The Fusion gives you way more polyphony too.

The stock rom sounds of the Fusion don't have as much of the jump out and grab you quality of some of the others, but a rack could handle that.

Just considering the keyboard (not the sounds), the Fusion has some really nice features, (as does the ES) but going strictly by the keyboard's features, I'd much prefer the Fusion.

based on these responses I'm thinking a fusion plus a xv-3080 or xv-5050 might be the best route.

Another thing you might want to consider is how you like the User interface of the Fusion, Motif ES, and Fantom. That could make or break how much you like a machine. Sounds are important, but you have to like the way it handles.

FOr the record, I'd go for the Fusion and rack ES too