BrianUK...George Kaye said it best when comparing the SD1 to the 9000pro. The styles make the difference! The programed sounds is a subjective issue that can be debated forever! I feel the Yamaha, Roland, Technic kind of fall into the same catagory, very polished pro sounding keyboards. If your looking for something a little bit different from the above then the Solton (X1 or SD1) is worth a try. It's the one for me!! Can't wait to get mine!! When your in a location that restricts your choices it must be frustrating! Living in the New York City area you can get your hands on just about everything. But even here arranger KB's are not in every music store (except the low end stuff) I have two Solton dealers within 50 miles of my home. Good luck.