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Which is Better?

The Strata Prime is ultimately the superior option that shines with its expansive sound library and full-sized components, offering a more acoustic-like experience. The TD-17KV2, while more modest in its offerings, still brings excellent connectivity options and Roland's reputable build quality and sound engineering to the table.

Alesis Strata Prime vs Roland TD-17KV2 Head to Head

vs
Roland TD-17KV2

When comparing the Alesis Strata Prime and the Roland TD-17KV2, we're looking at a clash between a high-end model packed with features and a solid mid-range-to-high-end contender known for its reliability and performance within its segment.

Key Differences

The Strata Prime boasts a full-sized 20-inch kick and a larger 14-inch snare pad, aiming for an experience closer to acoustic drumming. In contrast, the TD-17KV2 opts for compactness with a 5-inch kick tower and a 12-inch snare.

With over 1532 sounds, the Strata Prime offers a vast library, catering to a wide range of styles and preferences, against the 310 sounds available in the TD-17KV2.

The TD-17KV2 supports audio recording over USB, a feature not available on the Strata Prime. This could be a significant advantage for those looking to integrate their electronic kit into a digital audio workstation (DAW) setup.

In terms of configuration, the Strata Prime comes with larger cymbal & Tom pads, offering better playability.

They also differ in snare setup where the Strata Prime features a snare stand and the TD-17KV2 features a mounted snare.

The Strata Prime is equipped with the Prime Drum Module, while the Roland TD-17KV2 uses the TD-17.

Kick Type
Full-Sized Kick Drum
Tower
Kick Pad Size
20-inch
5-inch
Snare Pad Size
14-inch
12-inch
Number of Sounds
1532
310
Drum Module Name
Prime Drum Module
TD-17
Audio over USB (for recording)
No
Yes
Custom sampling
onboard-samplingsd-cardusb-drive
sd-card

Key Features in Common

Both sets offer Bluetooth connectivity and MIDI support, making them compatible with a variety of devices and software for extended functionality.

Both kits offer mesh pads for a realistic drumming feel.

Both also offer dual-zone technology on their tom pads for nuanced playing.

Lastly, both offer metronomes and on-board recording for practice and performance analysis.

Bluetooth Connection
Yes
Yes
MIDI Connectivity
MIDI-over-USBMIDI-5-Pin
MIDI-over-USBMIDI-5-Pin

Check out the Strata Prime in action.

And here's a video of the Roland TD-17KV2.

Price Comparison Between The Strata Prime and Roland TD-17KV2

Use the below to get up-to-date prices for both the Strata Prime and Roland TD-17KV2

vs
Roland TD-17KV2
We have included a head-to-head comparison of the specs and features on both the Strata Prime and Roland TD-17KV2.

Hi-Hat

Hi-Hat Size (Inches)
14-inch
10-inch
Hi-Hat Type
Acoustic-style hi-hat stand
Electronic hi-hat pedal
Hi-Hat Model
ARC Hi-hat 14 Active
CY-5

Cymbal Pads

Ride Cymbal Pad Size (Inches)
18-inch
14-inch
Ride Cymbal Zones
Triple-Trigger
Triple-Trigger
Ride Cymbal Pad Model Number
ARC Cymbal 18
CY-14R-T
Number of Crash Cymbal Pads
2
1
Crash Cymbal Sizes
16
12"
Crash cymbal choke
Yes
Yes
Crash Cymbal Pad Model Numbers
ARC Cymbal 16
CY-12C-T

Toms

Tom pad sizes
8", 10", 12", 14", 14"
8", 8", 8"
Number of Tom Pads
5
3
Tom Pad Material
Mesh
Mesh
Tom Zones
Dual-Zone
Dual-Zone

Drum Module

Number of Sounds
1532
310
Drum Module Name
Prime Drum Module
TD-17
Additional Features
-
Bluetooth audio for wirelessly streaming audio from your smartphone to the TD-17 module, Coach functions support your daily exercise and warm-up routines
Display
-
128 x 64 dots graphic type LCD (with backlit)
Bluetooth Connection
Yes
Yes
Metronome
Yes
Yes
On-Board Recording (of internal sounds)
Yes
Yes
Additional Pad/Cymbal Inputs
2
2
Audio Outputs
2 Main (Left and Right), 4 Assignable
2 Main Outputs(Left and Right)
Audio Input (Auxiliary Input)
1/4" inch
1/8" inch
Effects and Sound Editing Capabilities
High
High
MIDI Connectivity
MIDI-over-USBMIDI-5-Pin
MIDI-over-USBMIDI-5-Pin
Audio over USB (for recording)
No
Yes
Custom sampling
onboard-samplingsd-cardusb-drive
sd-card
Number of Kits
75
100

Snare

Snare Mount Type
Snare Stand
Mounted to Rack
Snare Pad Size
14-inch
12-inch
Snare Pad Material
Mesh
Mesh
Snare Zones
Dual-Zone
Dual-Zone
Snare Pad Model
Strata Drum 14
PDX-12

Kick

Kick Type
Full-Sized Kick Drum
Tower
Kick Pad Material
Mesh
Mesh/Cushion
Kick Pad Size
20-inch
5-inch
Kick Pad Model
Strata Kick 20
KD-10

Verdict

vs
Roland TD-17KV2

In summary, your choice between these two should hinge on your specific needs: the Strata Prime for a comprehensive, expansive playing experience, and the TD-17KV2 for compactness, connectivity, and integration with digital workflows.

Matt Taylor

Matt Taylor

I'm Matt Taylor, a guitarist with a genuine love for music. I've had the pleasure of playing in a few bands and collaborating with some amazing artists along the way. As a music journalist, my goal is to share my passion and learnings with you while keeping my finger on the pulse of emerging trends and talents.