My PianoDisc started out with the system described by Nick Klosz
(060213 MMD), including the Symphony module.  Yes, you plug in any CD
player to use it and make adjustments with the front panel controls to
synchronise the audio and piano parts.  It works well and does not have
to be located near the PianoDisc.  Instead, you can place it next to
your CD player and sound system, and run a MIDI cable to the PD control
box.  This is an advantage of having this module separate to the
control box.

When I sold my PD, I purchased a 228CFX box so I could play my PD disks
and CDs on the replacement Disklavier.  The price is horrendous at around
Aus$3000.  This price does not include the extension memory card, which
I think is around AUS$1000.  This new box works in a similar way to the
previous, but not as quickly.  It takes minutes to boot and a similar
time to change from floppy drive to CD.  It offers no new features
except the CD system is inbuilt.  As well, mine has since been replaced
under warranty after the display failed, where the previous box gave no
trouble, and is still working well after nearly 9 years.

I therefore suggest keeping the current control box and Symphony
module.  Apart from the financial saving, you don't lose any facilities
and it boots more quickly.  There appear to be only minor software
changes in the 228CFX box, and certainly no new features except the
integration of the floppy drive, CD player and extension memory card.

Peter Phillips
Sydney
http://members.optushome.com.au/eleced/index.htm

 [ Peter says, "Mechanical music has a future, not just a past.
 [ I'm convinced that reproducing piano roll music, particularly
 [ Ampico, can sound just as fabulous on a PianoDisc or Disklavier,
 [ so I'll do anything to help owners of these instruments."
 [ Thanks for your help, Peter!  :-)  -- Robbie