Neither the MPC2000XL nor the MPC3000LE(limited edition, due in November) has extensive sample engines. They are both, by nature and description, drum samplers, with killer sequencing/drum machine functions. This is the reason MPCs have been used on countless, countless hit songs. I have an MPC2000 and am completely in love with it. You should never say that a piece of gear makes you better, except for MPCs. They are so much quicker and intuitive than anything else. What you'll lack in sampling power, you get in sequencing and the overall package. However, if you have a sequencer and a keyboard, get a S2000 and call it a day. But at some point get a MPC2000XL. The MPC3000s are nice and nostalgic and are sturdy enough for touring, but spend less money (alot less) and get a fully loaded MPC2000XL. Hope this helps.