Findings on DKC-850 configurations
2011-11-02 by kassey22000
While I'm guessing that the number of users in this group that both have an older Disklavier and now own a DKC-850 is a small sub-set of owners here, I hope some of my observations will be helpful when considering which upgrade configuration is right for your listening/playing needs: While the "add-on" configuration may be a better solution for your older Disklavier it really depends on which Disklavier you own. 1. More Sound: The audio "line-out" from the older controller has a louder output to my stereo/entertainment center. The audio line-out on the 850 is so soft (even with the 127 highest setting in the software); it requires an in-line amplifier to boost the signal enough to fill my room with piano and accompaniment at standard stereo volume setting. 2. Better Instrumentation: The soundcard/sampled library of instruments sound much richer and better than the accompaniment/syn sounds out of the 850. On my piano (MKII XG) the sampled grand piano (based on a Yamaha CF concert grand) can rattle my windows when the bass notes are played. In addition, the string and horn samples seem to be much more realistic (even when balanced for volume output with both units). 3. More Accompaniment: My favorite feature is that now I not only have the sample/syn sounds from the MKII box, but the sampled sounds from the DKC-850 playing simultaneously. This allows for more orchestration when playing the keyboard in either silent or acoustic playing modes. For example: I have my acoustic piano playing, while the 850 is set to Electric Piano, and the MKII playing strings. Because you can adjust each box independently, you can fade-in/out each accompanying instrument. 4. I don't need a floppy drive addition to the 850 in this configuration because I play them through the older MKII controller. 5. Pro REC/Play: Because my Disklavier is PRO model, I can enjoy the greater accuracy of recording and playing back XP song data. The 850 does not allow XP data to be transmitted to the piano. The main downside that Yamaha lists in its marketing material and guides is that you loose the ability to play D-Radio. However, I can always swap out the provided cable, set the 850 to "replacement", and play D-Radio if I like. It's a pain and probably not good for the cable connectors over time, but it's doable. The other negative for some is the need to have both controller units accessible at the same time. I worked around this by adding a small cabinet with glass door that sits below the keyboard and mostly out of site. I control my Disklavier with the iPhone/iPad and DKV-Browser on my PC/Laptop, so unless I need to change a CD, I really don't have to access the controllers often. I've had 3 Yamaha pianos since college days and yet the Disklavier has really opened up my desire to play/record and interact with the piano in so many new and inspiring ways. It's opened up a whole new world of piano appreciation! I hope Yamaha will continue to develop this marvelous platform with new (Mark V perhaps??) models, yet also continue to support the owners of older Disklaviers as they have with the DKC 850. And to the contributors to this amazing online resource, thanks for helping me get even more out of this amazing instrument. You have made exploring the capabilities of the Disklavier a fun and enlightening journey. Way to go!!