From jason_stanfield@mac.com Wed Oct 20 07:02:46 2010
Subject:Re: re Speakeasy News

This is a really big deal, ladies & gents ...

The headphone connection is one of the keys to incredible sound (definitely not the *only* reason), and why players are always impressed with the sound of a new 'board though headphones, then plug it into a keyboard amp and it doesn't sound like the same instrument they bought. The headphone output (as many NE owners can attest) has a stronger signal than the L & R outs; it also has a better tone. I've A/B'd several current 'boards from different manufacturers, and the difference in tone is undeniable.

What's strange to me now is that there's no recognition of this aspect of keyboard tone anywhere else in the industry. This is one thing pro guitarists have over most keys players: they're obsessive over the components in their axes and the tone of their amps, while keyboard players remain unsatisfied with their tone. Keyboard players need to pay as much attention to their amplification as they do the nuances of the 'boards they play; no guitarist is going to do a month of research and hem-hawing before buying a $3000 guitar then expect to get full and subtle tone out of a solid state practice amp.

And it's a really big deal that Steve is willing to upgrade existing Speakeasy Preamps. Those of you that have them should contact him right away and set up your upgrade [those that don't have one: correct that!]. It would be really easy to do what the mainstream companies do by simply creating a new Vintage Pre and marketing it to existing owners, but he's not. Go ahead, call R, T, P or MS and see if they'll upgrade your 5 year old amp with the features of the current model for a fraction of the price ... :)

Jason Stanfield