$2500: current DP but lower product line, or older DP and higher product line?

[skierdude]

Hey. I'll cut to the chase and get to my question, then the details below...

Is it better to get a slightly lower end DP with new technology, or a higher end that’s several years old (albeit new). Or, maybe my examples below aren't really lower end...

My folks and in-laws have offered to contribute towards a DP. Sweet! I’m also going to dig a little more into savings.

If I can get up to the $2500 price limit, what options do I have for a decent DP, including s/h (which I think most do). I typically don’t get the “lower end” of a product line, so the CLP series is still out of reach. Plus, the key action is a little heavy for me (but I'm getting used to is after a few visits to the store).

It’s less that my limit, but I’ve read a lot about the Kawai CE220 (or maybe that’s Casio, either way, I know it’s the CE220), youtube reviews sound good, and azpianonews gives a good review too.

And, the youtube review (and azpianonews review, which I think the two may be connected somehow) on the Casio PX850 continues to be intriguing (but I'm not a fan of the design of the console)

However, I also want a sturdy console, and one that doesn’t look terribly cheap. But I’d go for quality action, then sound, then console in that order.

It’s several years old, but I may be able to get a new, in-box Roland HP-307 in my new price range (will be under warranty). I read about the 507, and there were some updates, but it doesn’t seem like a totally new piano. I've played the FP7F (very similar to 307) several times and really like it (though the action is a tad "soft", but still really great). I really like the look of the console too.

So, my initial question: current technology in a lesser model/product line (i.e., PX850, CE220), or older technology in a higher product line (i.e., HP307)?

Thanks.

[skierdude]

Oops, I know the PX850 is higher in that product line, but might still considered a lower end item.

[talby]

When Roland updated their product line and put on the market the new HP-500 series, then comparison shows that already the new HP-505 (but not the 503 which has an slightly inferior, but still professional keyboard action) compares pretty well to the older 307. Both feature the most professional keyboard action available from Roland. The HP-505 has then some advantages in the elctronics and connectivity to other instruments and computers.
And go to a shop and really listen and play some instruments!! You will be surprised how different they can feel and sound, and that you can´t buy a digital piano just from studying catalogs.