Hello all,  I had misgivings about leaping into the fray on this
potentially divisive and very subjective topic, but I thought I might add
a perspective from one of the more distant corners of the globe (from the
main sources of hardware, software and knowledge).

My personal choice of system is based on many factors of which musical
and technical superiority is not necessarily the most important.

Where I live, even though all reproducers are uncommon, Duo-Art is much
more likely to be found and the rolls do show up from time to time.  On
the East coast of Australia, I think Ampico is just as (un)likely to turn
up.  I have owned and restored at least one of each, but I will leave it
to the "experts" to compare them technically and musically.  I believe
both have their strengths and weaknesses.  Other systems like Recordo are
about, but typically remain unrestored as few people here understand them
and in many cases can still be used as 88 note players.

The choice of "ideal" player for my situation would be a high quality
upright or small grand Pedal/Electric Duo-Art (PEDA) player, having full
88 note compass with "D-A off".

Reasons:

I enjoy playing 88n rolls, particularly with accenting which is best
achieved with a Themodist style pumper.  Many visitors also appreciate
the interactive value of the pumper even if it is only in the pedalling.
The Duo-Art system satisfies my desire to hear good piano music played by
top pianists without the need for another player for the accented rolls.
I rate both Ampico and Duo-Art similar with regard to restoration effort
and maintainability.

For me, Duo-Art rolls are more readily obtained as original rolls locally
and re-cuts are available from the UK as well as U.S. sources.  Although
I would love to own a reproducing concert grand, the cost and space
required are prohibitive.  The type of house one lived in would then be
dictated by the size of the piano which is not usually a good idea!

After all this, I have not achieved my goal.  I missed out on a lovely
German made (I think) Steck Pedal/Electric Duo-Art in top condition,
because owner got a higher offer after agreeing to sell it to me.  The
new owner was not interested in the player action!!

I like my Steck grand but it isn't as versatile as the "PEDA" and the
poor arrangement of the controls is frustrating for manual intervention.
One day I might find that PEDA Steck again, maybe in need of TLC and
cheaper!  I don't know if PEDA grands exist, but that would be even
better.

Cheers,

Darrell Clarke
Adelaide, Australia