Force, I had the opportunity to audition the XD9 at length a couple of years ago, and in my opinion, it's sound quality & features paled next to the SD1. If I were to go with a Ketron KB, I would pass on the XD9 and save the extra $ required to purchase the SD1 instead. It's well worth the extra $ spent imo. One problem I noticed with the XD9 I test drove was that the OS would frequently freeze and lockup the KB without warning. I suspect a new OS update has corrected that by now. If your budget is limited to the price of a PSR3000/XD9, I would recommend without a doubt the PSR3000. It (imho) remains the BEST BANG for the buck in arranger keyboards today. Granted, the Yamaha arranger keyboard's feel (smaller keys-lighter action) & build durability may not be rugged as a tank, but then again no arranger keyboard comes close to the fit, feel, and finish of a fully weighted true piano action keyboard either, not even the Ketron SD1. In other words, your hands and fingers (and playing style) will learn to adapt to whatever keyboard you choose. The bottom line is everyone's ears & play (feel) expectations are different. If the XD9 sounds and feels great to you, then by all means, purchase the XD9 and keep us posted on how you like it, as there are not too many Ketron XD9 owners here, or at least providing feedback on that model.

Scott