Professor Hollis has taught us that "A great instrument through cheap amplification will sound like a cheap instrument." Undeniably true. However, over the holidays, I tested his theory in reverse, with interesting results.
In order to have something small and inexpensive to schlep to the In-Laws', I bought a 61-key Roland Go:Piano on closeout at Sam Ash for $180. Its onboard amp system is crappy, but the little 5" Yamaha HS5 monitor I bought with it makes a huge improvement - good enough for its intended purpose.
However, back home I put it through my RCF TT08-As (the originals, not the MKIIs), and the difference was striking. Even more so when I added my JMK Audio JM110B DI/Pre into the mix. No one would ever mistake it for the sound of my Nord Grand, though, and I wouldn't recommend it for any serious work, but the exercise proved Chuck's point in spades.