Amplification for a DP

I was reading some old posts here on this general topic and registered to join in. Now I can't even find them. But since the topic is one of the most important for digital piano users I make no apology for re-opening it.

Last time there was a lot of discussion about mono and stereo reproduction and whether stereo reproduction is realistic. I'd like to remind everyone that the important thing is how good an instrument (or its amplification sounds). If something works well, it works well, so if stereo or mono works well for you, then stick to it. But, when the current set-up doesn't work, we have to ask ourselves why not. How can we steer our way through all the confusing (yet strangely limited) options. I have four points to make:

(1) In my experience, stereo reproduction of digital pianos does sound better, at least when you are close to the speakers. Apart from the stereo sampling aspect, any on-board effects (especially reverb) will probably sound much better in stereo as well. For this reason I sometimes cut out the DP's on-board effects when playing through a mono system.

(2) Mixing and matching instruments with amps, and positioning of amps is very important. It is also true that some amps are just horrible for reproducing a piano sound on any instrument. I believe that a good amp should be tight and punchy and not prone to rattles, noise or shrillness. I don't think a 15" speaker is necessary, and I do think that at least one medium size speaker is necessary. If you can't hear your mid range and high notes well, then you are lost. I am currently using two different powered "monitor" amps, for stereo effect. The larger (but less incisive and less efficient) amplified speaker is always on my left. Sometimes I can hardly hear it because I position it more for the public. Sometimes it is on the floor, but I have a tripod for it too. The smaller, punchy Yamaha MSP-5 is pointed more at me and sits on my right, on a small tripod that I specially rigged up. The results are not perfect, but I work on a low budget. I think I have value for money spent. My piano is just a Yamaha P80.

(3) The pianist matters more. If you don't sound good to yourself your playing will be inhibited and unnatural. Others hearing you will be further away and much less critical. So, your own monitors are the most important thing.

(4) Instrument design is a problem too. It's a shame that many manufactureres are so pig-headed. Some digital pianos are still made without any XLR outputs, and a few don't even have DI jack outputs. The latter rely instead on headphone outputs or phono outputs. The excuse (for not having DI out) is that these DPs are only for beginners and not for stage use. But everyone knows that sooner or latter these beginners' instruments will get some use in pubs or on the stage too. Performers need the option of four outputs on a DP (2 x XLR and 2 x jack DI) with separate volume controls for each channel and output. Then they can use stereo monitors and still connect to the house or band PA system, with minimal noise and distortion. Use of these outputs should not cut out any on-board amplification. On-board  amplification should have its own volume control(s). I cannot believe that these tiny considerations (on the part of manufacturers) would add much to production costs, but they would make our lives much easier. Soft pedal inputs should be standard too, with a soft volume control. Why? Because when it is the bass player's solo, you may want to accompany him/her without drowning him/her. Moving your volume slider(s) back and forth all the time leads to stress, mistakes and missed notes. Yes, it could be controlled with midi pedals. But that's using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.