Roland KC-110 vs Donner DDA-35

[@juliangallegos7627]

Great video! Very informative and kept my attention the whole way 🤘

[@thrutherhythm44]

Do you know if it’s normal to have a slight hissing sound with the dda-35? It’s not super noticeable when I’m playing, but when the amp is turned on I definitely hear it. Regardless of settings.

[@dipanshusingh93]

6:07 Why you are using two cables for mono ?

[@PianoManChuck]

As explained at 11:41 - there are TWO sound devices: 1) keyboard, 2) drum machine. Each one requires a cable.

[@dipanshusingh93]

@PianoManChuck ok got it didn't watch that part of video.

[@TimE_5150]

Nice review Chuck. I have a KC 550 that I never used. If you weren't so far away I would give it to you for a song!

[@PianoManChuck]

Thanks Tim, I appreciate that. The funny thing about that is that I have a KC-500 (even older than your KC-550) that's just been sitting around. Those were excellent units but just way too heavy (70 lbs for the KC-500, 63 lbs for the KC-550). I only lug it around if I absolutely, positively have to have that kind of power for a larger venue. I actually did an outdoor wedding reception at a park with one of those and it completely covered the entire huge outside area!

[@jello-tarzan]

Good job, thank you!

[@nickf2170]

Can you plug electric piano into small guitar amp? (1968 Hohner pianet N).

[@studioopinions5870]

Ok, this video title got my attention. I tried listening very carefully, and I can sense a minor but noticeable difference and I do like the Donner, but Roland has it's perks. I got the sense that donner had more bass, but bigger sounding bass. The roland almost matches the Donner, but not as good. So I'm kinda stuck. lol. But I'm leaning more for the Donner, especially the Blue Tooth feature and the lower price point. Thanks from the year 2023 and still checking out all sorts of gear for a very good choice. Terry

[@frankiepedano3518]

Sounds like the Donnor has a more nasally sound. I'll stick with Roland. My KC 550 has never let me down and Ive gigged countless times with it since 2005. Thing is a beast. I def want to get another one for mic'ing stereo synths/pads in the studio. Great review Chuck

[@PianoManChuck]

KC-550 is in a different world/category that the KC-110 and DDA-35. I also have the older KC-500 and I love it!

[@luckyhouston1054]

My friend, you're comparing Apples to oranges. A battery powered amp and an inside amp are pretty much different critters. Here is what I have noticed about the Roland: Something I just found out: Using battery power gives you only 20w, while using a power adapter you get the full 30w. A frequent critique of the of the KC 120 is the limited volume. I have one and I have seen that too. However, the other night I was playing with some pedals that offered a strong boost to the signal. The KC tolerated this well with little distortion other than an occasional clip on heavy bass notes and delivered a lot louder volume. That makes sense because the amp is built to tolerate 30w and, with batteries, it leaves you enough headroom to push the volume. I'd be willing to bet that using boost reduces the battery life, but louder is more good 😄 Try one at a store and see. I've also noticed that the batteries start delivering lower volumes all the way to being too drained. If you see the power lit dimming when you hit a note, it is time for new batteries. Fresh batteries are key.

[@luckyhouston1054]

I do hear the better clarity of the dinner. But I also hear breakup on the transients with the donner. It also looked like the donner didn't have an XLR input? More features in the Roland, as well as Rolands rep account for the higher price. But Roland amps in general have a higher price point than similar amps.

[@luckyhouston1054]

Dinner/donner gotta love autocorrect

[@subramaniamchandrasekar1397]

Roland gives a stage sound, a bit muddy and Donner gives a studio sound, much cleaner.

[@PianoManChuck]

An astute observation!

[@ramseydoon8277]

Whomever designated the price point for the Roland must have been smoking a whole lotta jazz cigarettes! Sheesh!