Myself and Alan Meyer are both subcontractors for a major dealer and do a LOT of installs, one a week typically. I am familiar with both systems and I can tell you that hands down the PianoDisc system is vastly superior to the QRS system. You don't need to do much more then glance at the circuit boards to see the difference. PianoDisc has put an enormous amount of time and money in research and development into their product and continues to develop is as we speak. The PDS uses many customized components designed specifically for their system and the expression is far better. The newer systems are VERY reliable. Don't confuse the newer systems with the older ones, there have been countless improvements over the years. The QRS system has seen few improvements. Every once in a while they introduce a new control box that adds a feature or two and makes it look more fancy, but the actual guts of the system have seen little change and are comparatively primitive. The QRS circuit boards feature less advanced over the counter chips, generic components, etc. It works but the expression is substantially inferior. The PDS system is a little more expensive but there is a valid reason for this. Someone mentioned that the solenoids on the QRS system are easier to install. Yes and no. The mounting concept is somewhat easier in terms of assembly but there is limited flexibility in regulating lost motion between the solenoid tips and the bottom of the keys. The PDS uses a very tiny light spring to automatically take care of this with no noticable touchweight variance and produces a lot less noise. The actual time differences in installation is insignificant, particularly when factoring the end results. PDS solenoids really are not that difficult to assemble and once they are done they are done. The PDS is more software friendly and the sound cards for the symphony sound better, (uses the Alesis engine). PDS offers all of the same features that QRS does including the CD ROM option, live CD accompaniment features, built in music library options, standard midi formats, etc. Technical support for PDS is fantastic if there are any problems. With ANY system the end results are entirely dependent on the quality of the installation. I have seen many installations that are absolutely horrible. Among these the installer cut the slot sloppy, didn't bother twisting and tying up the wires neatly, didn't align the solenoids correctly with the keys, didn't calibrate the system properly, didn't install the sustain lever properly, and so on. It is imperative that the installation be done neatly and properly by an experienced and factory certified tech. When it comes time to put the system in insist on this. If you have an interest in becoming a certified tech the week long training seminar is free. Call Nina at MSR and they can put you on the list. I assure you that I speak from considerable experience and not personal bias. I will not recommend the QRS system to my customers. Also note that the Baldwin Pianomation kit is actually a QRS kit with a different looking control box. If you buy one of these you are basically getting the same system. I should also mention that adjustments on the QRS system requires an expensive external control box which the technician must purchase and carry around. The PDS has its own built in comprehensive set up/adjustment mode similar to the Yamaha Disklavier system which makes things a whole lot easier and friendly. Ultimately the PDS is much more tech friendly once properly installed. Rob Goodale, RPT Las Vegas, NV
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