Roland Forums

Can anyone tell me the differences between the KC500 and the later KC550 Keyboard Combo. I am using the 500 at the moment for my keyboard rig and I would like to add the later 550 model and run in stereo.
Thanks from Jefferzs

I would say the KC-550 is a revision of your current KC-500.
It appears to offer a slightly higher power output 180W to the 500’s 150W.
It also has a sub woofer output, where as the 500 doesn’t.
An aux input is available on the 550 (on RCA phonos), and it has a ‘Shape’ switch (not sure, but I thought the 500 had this switch too).
The 500 dimensionally is slightly higher (by 2"), and weights sightly more(6 lbs)

I don’t think you will have any issues if you link them to run a stereo rig.
The band I work with has a KC-500 linked to a beat-up old Yamaha keyboard amp for a stereo mix.

Thanks for the reply,
My KC500 does not have a ‘shape’ switch and I am not to sure what this is or how it operated, Is it a ‘tonal’ thing ?
Regards from Jefferzs

It is…
Think of it as a pre-set ‘smiley curve’.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smiley_face_curve

As a DJ once said, “I’ve been DJing for years, I know how a graphic equaliser should look.”

The ‘loudness’ button on hi-fi’s add some bass, and treble. Effectively the same thing.