From jjmcs49@yahoo.com Fri Sep 28 09:40:57 2012
Subject:Re: Numa Organ vs XK1

The '3c has split C/V and I'm pretty sure the XK-1 does not (I know the XM-2 didn't). They all use VASE III but it is my understanding that VASE (1, 2 or 3) is the means by which the basic Tonewheel data is created "in the lab". It is not the process or "sound engine" in the instrument that plays the sound. The XK-3c has a "next generation" sound engine. Also, the XK-3 and '3c both have a tube preamp but they are very different.

My understanding of the history is that H/S developed a new sound engine as part of the design process for the New B3. That sound engine was then used in the XK-3 and subsequently the XK-1/XM-2. Due to the success of the XK-3 H/S then decided to develop the XK-3c along with a next generation sound engine that would take advantage of the advances in computing and DSP over the previous 5 or so years first. Then that sound engine was used in the development of the New B3 MkII.

While the improvements are significant and obvious when compared side by side, I doubt the majority (or even close to it) could tell which one they were hearing if they couldn't see it. IMO. YMMV, Yada Yada Yada.