Old Master Tech

What Jim shared is directly applicable, regardless of how well instrument was constructed. Amen to everything - Proactively replacement of electrolytic caps. Yamaha builds good stuff but laws of physics rule when it comes to how those caps work

there are only two major components: the Main board and the various interface board(s)....and you've replaced one of them. Having said that, connector issues should always be the first suspect, going by the KISS theory, I hope this helps. I assume you've spoken w/ Ray - best to you there are only two major components: the Main board and the various interface board(s)....and you've replaced one of them. Having said that, connector issues should always be the first suspect, going by the KISS theory, I hope this helps. I assume you've spoken w/ Ray - best to you

used Newark connectors to make cable and it became iffy after about year+ So I tried buying a 8-pin connectorized cable from Guitar C and cut in half to make another adapter. That connector appears to engage jack more deeply and so far no problem.

Have owned and enjoyed sk2 (for about 3 years), playing ensemble work at church with occasional bass work as needed. Agree with Jim about bass, adding that IMHO the vent appears to emulate low bass roll-off of 122/147 a little too well. (Played BCV-Trek3 console for years many years ago in trio environment so I know bass limits of old large Leslie very well). Ensemble-wise there is no competition to my ear - definite advantage to vent, particularly noticeable on fast speed. Just received XK5 in mid January, so more time needed for fair assessment. Initial impression for XK5 is same as SK2, however. And I still haul vent to and from church engagements, so I am "walking the walk" so far with respect to my opinion of vent on XK5. My plan was to sell vent to offset cost of SK5, but not willing yet. BTW I conducted short side-by-side comparisons, using bypass functions on NEO Vent and on both instruments. I hope this helps. Also, while posting, playing XK5 takes me back to "old days," only with more adjustments available. Love it!