As any opinion is quite subjective to personal preference, this is quite obviously only my opinion, which is an opinion of an amateur player.

The 740 for the money is a very acceptable unit. I did not like the vocalizer, the lack of after touch nor the poor touch response of the keys. The rhythms are VERY stock Yamaha rhythms. The sweet solo sounds are quite nice, but definitely not up to Soltons.

The rhythms of the Solton are superior, if for no other reason (tho their are more reasons) than they express emotion as do their solo instruments.

I found the Solton easier to change instrumentation on rhythms as well as other accompaniment settings. I also like the way, on a Solton X1, you can hold a solo instrument, change it and it keeps the original until you release and come into the next note, where then the change is made. No chopped note.

The 740 feels more limiting than the X1 overall. And soon it sounds more limiting.

As to whether it is worth the price difference, that is up to what you want and what your pocketbood will dictate. To me, it would be worth every dollar difference.

Suggest you contact George Kaye for the price difference. He may not be the cheapest but IMHO he is the best to deal with.

Also if you sing, suggest you get the X1 with vocalizer installed, hard drive which George loads with other styles and flash card for Supersolo sounds.