Kronos X73 vs Kronos 2 73

SeedyLee · Post by **SeedyLee** » Wed May 27, 2015 8:06 am

Hi all,

I'm contemplating augmenting or replacing my original gen Kronos 61 with a 73 key version, on account of the fact that I don't need to move it as often as I did when I originally purchased it, and a few places have some excellent prices on the KX73.

I'm trying to work out whether the Kronos 2 73 is much of an improvement over the Kronos X 73, given it's nearly $1500 more expensive. I've scoured the internet for comparisons, but can't find many that discuss the hardware revisions in great detail. I was hoping someone could answer some of the following questions for me?

Is the angle of the screen significantly improved, or is it a minor adjustment?
How is the RH3 keybed on the K2 vs the KX?
Any notable changes to the internal layout, or is it fundamentally similar?
Any appreciable changes to the quality of switchgear?
Is the LCD screen the same as that used on the KX?
Is the GUI any faster than older versions? On V3 software, the older KRONOS' screen sometimes flickers slightly when adjust parameters.

Overall, I'm trying to determine if the Kronos 2 represents an improved design and build, or whether its just a cosmetic change.

For reference, the current price here for the KX73 is $3199, vs $4799 for the Kronos 2 73.

Any input from those who have seen or used both would be appreciated!

Pedja · Post by **Pedja** » Wed May 27, 2015 10:50 am

Enigmahack compared here:
http://www.korgforums.com/forum/phpBB2/ ... enigmahack
You have a very good video from him, on youtube (link is on webpage).

SanderXpander · Post by **SanderXpander** » Wed May 27, 2015 11:04 am

If it were me I would totally go for an X for that price difference. Or wait till the 2 comes down some more.

I don't actually think the screen angle is different, that was an assumption from early photos. But I could be wrong there.

Oh and it is important to note that you don't get the Berlin Grand with the X, nor EXs19 which is quite useful. The "classic synth sounds" are available in a slightly different form from our member BurningBusch who made them.

Pedja · Post by **Pedja** » Wed May 27, 2015 11:28 am

SenderXpander is totally wright, real price difference is 300-400 e. or something 400$ US. My suggestion is a same, buy Kronos X73, this is a very good (it's a very low price, 500$ lower then regular price of X73) price.

P.S. In video he compered Kronos 73 and Kronos 2 73 (but differences between X73 and Kronos 73 are in memory and SSD all other is same).

AnthonyB · Post by **AnthonyB** » Wed May 27, 2015 12:22 pm

Well with my 128gig second hard drive along with 30gig stock drive, a kronos 2 would be a downgrade for me I guess, or at least I'd have to open the k2 up and install a bigger drive to compare with my kronos 1. Depends whether you see the price Difference ($1500 is a lot!) Yes the wooden sides are nice for some (but don't bother me at all) and other "nuances" perhaps ? But I upgraded to OS 3.0.2 and running very smooth. But only installed this yesterday so.......

Anthony

SeedyLee · Post by **SeedyLee** » Wed May 27, 2015 12:33 pm

Thank you all greatly. Your thoughts echo my own. I had thought that if the Kronos 2 was considerably better in build quality, touch screen accuracy or some other metric, it might be worth it. But there seems to be little to substantiate the price difference.

I suspect part of the price difference is due to a depreciation of the Australian Dollar between the Kronos X being released and the Kronos 2 being released.

geoelectro · Post by **geoelectro** » Wed May 27, 2015 12:39 pm

Yesterday I updated the OS for a customer and discovered their Kronos X had the auto-power switch. I noticed it felt different from mine immediately. Then, after it powered up from the update, there was a message saying the auto power off was set to 4 hours of no use. Apparently not all Kronos boards have this feature so that might be something to look at.

Geo

SanderXpander · Post by **SanderXpander** » Wed May 27, 2015 1:48 pm

Good point. So as long as you don't use it, the X is better than the original K

Bachus · Post by **Bachus** » Wed May 27, 2015 2:31 pm

Also a nice advantage, an older Kronos might come with some expansions...

GregC · Post by **GregC** » Wed May 27, 2015 2:34 pm

Consider resale value down the road

benny ray · Post by **benny ray** » Thu May 28, 2015 5:20 pm

I had a KX88 and the keybed was a little noisy and replaced it under warranty and sold it for a good price to get the K2 88 and the main differences are a slightly angled screen wood panels, and keybed is quiet and fan noise is much lower plus u get all the new sounds. Guess it would come down to if you have the money for a K2 but i am always scared to buy a discontinued keyboard but the K2 will be discontinued in a couple of years probably. So good luck in your decision, Hope this helps.

Dniss · Post by **Dniss** » Thu May 28, 2015 8:05 pm

And also there's the whole library issue, if you purchased any.

SeedyLee · Post by **SeedyLee** » Fri May 29, 2015 6:44 am

Today I had an opportunity to check out the Kronos 2 73 in person and answer some of my own questions!

Is the angle of the screen significantly improved, or is it a minor adjustment?

It is slightly improved, but not significantly. The inclination of the screen has been improved by probably 3-5 degrees by my estimation.

Any appreciable changes to the quality of switchgear?

No, all buttons, faders and knobs felt and appeared exactly the same.

Is the LCD screen the same as that used on the original Kronos?

There was no discernible difference in the quality or appearance of the screen itself, however the sensitivity of the touch screen seemed improved compared to my Kronos 61.

Is the GUI any faster than older versions? On V3 software, the older KRONOS' screen sometimes flickers slightly when adjust parameters.

Responsiveness of the GUI seemed identical.

In my opinion, whilst I think the wood end panels are nice, the original Kronos looks like a higher-end instrument to me. The front fascia on the Kronos 2 is a dark grey/black, and whilst the panel labels are more legible, I personally don't think it looks as svelte as the original.

Also, where the front fascia and rear panel on the first generation Kronos is one piece of aluminium, the fascia and rear panel on the Kronos 2 are actually three separate panels, separated by the ventilation grill and a large plastic surround around the screen that extends from the keyboard to the ventilation grill. I suspect this is to keep manufacturing costs down and also implies that the internal mechanical design has changed.

On the plus side, the new metal sockets on the rear panel exude quality, as do the wooden end panels. Personally I think I will stick with the original series, but if I didn't already own one I would be delighted to pick up the Kronos 2.