A classic upgrade question: the popular TD-17KVX2 against the step-up TD-27KV2. Both share Roland's sound pedigree, but the TD-27KV2 adds digital pads and a more powerful module.
| Roland TD-17KVX2 | Roland TD-27KV2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,999 | $2,749 |
| DrumReviewer score | 9.2 / 10 | 9.4 / 10 |
| Module | Roland TD-17 | Roland TD-27 |
| Snare | 12 inch PDX-12 mesh-head pad | 14 inch PD-140DS digital mesh, 3-zone with positional sensing |
| Toms | Tom 1: 10 inch Tom 2: 10 inch Tom 3: 10 inch | Tom 1: 10 inch Tom 2: 10 inch Tom 3: 10 inch |
| Kick | Compact KD-10 kick pad (no full kick tower) | 10 inch KD-10 kick pad |
| Hi-hat | 12 inch VH-10 floating V-Hi-Hat | 14 inch VH-14D digital hi-hat (mounts on a real hi-hat stand) |
| Crashes | Crash 1: 12 inch Crash 2: 12 inch | Crash 1: 12 inch Crash 2: 14 inch |
| Ride | 14 inch CY-14R-T thin cymbal | 18 inch CY-18DR digital ride, 3-zone |
The TD-17KVX2 remains an excellent intermediate kit and the better value for home players. The TD-27KV2 justifies its higher price if you want the 14-inch digital snare, 14-inch digital hi-hat, and 18-inch digital ride - the jump in expressiveness and recording capability is significant, but only worth it if you will use it.