I sell both the SD1 and the 9000pro. I really don't know very much about the sampling abilities of either one because most of my customers don't really want to know about this feature until they decide to use it. I usually suggest they call Yamaha Tech support (Dave Lindsay) or talk to AJ (ketron support) when it comes to sampling. These two models are similar in features but differ in some areas. The sounds are great in both. I like the key feel better on the SD1. Both have 16 track sequencers but I prefer the Yamaha. Both have direct disk play of songs and styles but I prefer the SD1 for songs, by a long way, and I prefer the Yamaha for playing styles direct from disk. The SD1 has a hard drive and the Yamaha you need to add one and I like the SD1's hard drive management and access much more than the Yamaha.
As for price, the SD1 is selling for less than the 9000 pro currently at my store.
I sell more SD1's because of their great style playback over the 9000Pro. The SD1 styles are more realistic in my opinion and sound more like a live band.
Let me know if you need a price on either.
George Kaye
Kaye's Music Scene
Reseda, California
818-881-5566