Hi John

I you want an arranger, your choice is made. Get the VA-7. The XP are not arrangers: they do not use styles. The XPs are nice keyboards, but it could be your dealer is pushing them because they may be replaced next month. A more realistic alternative is the Roland G-1000 or Em-2000, since those are arrangers. However, I do not see any reason you would not be happy with the VA-7.

For my uses, the VA-7 lacks two things, vocal harmony and expansion boards. The Roland E-600 is the only Roland arranger with vocal harmony. You would be better off getting a VA-7 and adding a harmonizer. The XP have expansion slots, but, again, are not arrangers. One other option: Roland may introduce a higher-end arranger next year. However, the VA-7 appears to be a good choice for you.