Korg Forums

J1 · Joined: 17 Mar 2023 Posts: 13

Should I just buy a Nautilus 88 because the Kronos is discontinued?

I like having the onboard controls like on the Kronos.

Also the Kronos has some sounds the Nautilus can not play, correct?

But the Nautilus has sounds which can not be used on the Kronos.

Which one has more space for loading 3rd party sounds like Purgatory Creek?

I played a Nautilus 88 at Guitar Center and liked it. I am just wondering if there is an added benefit to getting the Kronos.

Let's assume I can get either one for the same price.

I don't care about the heavier weight of the Kronos.

Any feedback is appreciated. Thanks!

KK · Platinum Member Joined: 13 Oct 2016 Posts: 1422

They both have slightly different onboard sounds, about 30% of them not the same. But as you know you can use the sampler features on any of them to record and save any custom/third party sounds/libraries. For the amount of RAM (access to loaded libraries after bootup), it is the same amount as well.

For internal storage of libraries, you can also install a larger SSD on the unit after cloning the contents of the original disk. There is a slightly different procedure depending if you choose a Kronos or a Nautilus. But the Kronos has the advantage to offer connections for two SSDs, whereas the Nautilus has only one. I installed a Samsung 250 GB in my Kronos some years ago and it works just fine since day one.

Finally, about which to choose, as you know the Kronos has more external controls and offers aftertouch, as opposed to the Nautilus. But a Nautilus can be purchased new, whereas you will have to inspect an used Kronos carefully to make sure everything works fine.

J1 · Joined: 17 Mar 2023 Posts: 13

KK · Platinum Member Joined: 13 Oct 2016 Posts: 1422

My K2 came with a 60 GB SSD (earlier Kronos versions had even less space). On the Nautilus according to certain sources there is about 25 GB free space left for extra libraries, so you could fill it up pretty quickly.

For the sound engines like the CX-3 and effects, they are identical. Only the sample contents differ by about 30% as mentioned earlier, like there's a new piano sample set, etc. For drawbars on the Nautilus, you can use them but on the screen.

synthuser25 · Joined: 27 Jan 2023 Posts: 10

About three months ago I was faced with the same choice. I chose Kronos, I don't regret it for a moment, solid, powerful, clean sound. Nautilus is masked with a new look, a few new sounds, once the euphoria of buying it wears off, disappointment will come quickly. So think carefully.

J1 · Joined: 17 Mar 2023 Posts: 13

J1 · Joined: 17 Mar 2023 Posts: 13

Right now I am looking at a Kronos 88 shipped to me for $1900 USD. It says great condition, and it will be no problem to return, if necessary, as it is a major retailer. Does this sound like a good price? What are the advantages of buying the Kronos X or Kronos 2 instead? Is there more sounds or more memory? If I get the regular Kronos 88, will I be able to update it so it is as good as the Kronos 2, and if so what would that cost me?

keego · Posted: Sat Mar 18, 2023 12:42 pm Post subject:

Original krono can run same OS as X and 2. Original Kronos only came with one 30Gb SSD and 2Gb of Ram.
_________________
Current Arsenal:
Kronos 61, Kurzweil PC3K6, Nord Stage 3, Yamaha MOXF8, Muse Receptor 2+, Mainstage

Previous:
Korg:X5D,Wavestation, N364, Trinity,Triton Classic,Triton Studio, Korg M3 61 w/ EXB-Radias
Ensoniq:TS12, SD1, ASR10
Roland:XP10, JD-800, Roland XV88, A90ex
Kurzweil:K2500RS, K2661, PC3
Nord: Electro 3

synthuser25 · Joined: 27 Jan 2023 Posts: 10

Kronos has high-quality DAC chips that have been discontinued since 2020. At this point, it's not clear what the Korg engineers skimped on and put into the Nautilus, but the sound definitely takes a step back. I tried it in the store, I didn't like it, there are also video demos on YouTube.
The sound for me is the main difference.
A little more memory or a new piano is not essential.
By the way, you can buy any library from the Korg website if you like piano, it's not that expensive.

KK · Platinum Member Joined: 13 Oct 2016 Posts: 1422

J1 · Joined: 17 Mar 2023 Posts: 13

synthuser25 · Joined: 27 Jan 2023 Posts: 10

Almost all top models of Japanese synths always have the AK4393 DAC. This is not a quality standard, but a golden mean between price and quality for manufacturers. Kronos has the same AK4393 DAC and after the DAC the NE5532 op-amp.
I don't know what's in Nautilus, probably no one has opened it yet so we can find out.
By no means is Nautilus a bad choice.
I made my choice based on a personal test. Tried Nautilus 2 times. I had played Kronos a few times and knew what to expect. Apart from that, my old Korg was an M3.
For me, the dilemma was not so much about Nautilus or Kronos, my concerns were mainly that Kronos is already an outdated model and whether there will be maintenance parts.
I got lucky. My Kronos is 2 years old, barely used, like new. Parts for it are still available, I believe there will be for a long time.
The main thing is to try what you will like.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paEn6ODbi1Q

J1 · Joined: 17 Mar 2023 Posts: 13

synthuser25 · Joined: 27 Jan 2023 Posts: 10

Some time ago I had a Yamaha MOXF, in all the commercials they convinced me that the sound was the same as that of the MOTIF XF, yes but no. Live things look and sound completely different. Cheaper but identical to the more expensive one - would you believe it.
That's why I wrote to you, test if you have the opportunity. If you are satisfied with the sound and functioning of the Nautilus, then this is your instrument, which is by no means bad.

Derek Cook · Posted: Sun Mar 19, 2023 2:43 pm Post subject: