Perhaps the 9000 Pro is in a class by itself because of the additional options ( 76 keys, plug in expansion, sampling to name a few ) that aren't likely to be seen on other Yamaha arrangers again any time soon.

Then again sampling on a keyboard, whether it is an arranger or rompler is no big deal. I have freeware Vst and standalone samplers that are easier and more intuitive to use than the sampling functions of the ES. Also, the plug ins Yamaha has put out are very good, but there are far too few, when compared vs what Roland and Korg makes available. The plug ins don't always integrate all that well with the ES either, although from what I've seen here, it's probably worse with the 9000.

Still, I'd pick up a 9000 pro if the price was right. I agree with Jim and Terry, and think it may continue to command a top dollar resale value.

In the end, unless the Fantom X blows me away ( and it might ) I'll probably keep the ES because the soundset is magnificent and I can stumble my way around the OS, though not always comfortably. What may make the difference for me is if the 'X' has at least an equal soundset, a decent pattern funcion ,and better arp capabilities than the Es with user arps. I know the original didn't have user arps but did the "s"? I know the OS is better to navigate in the Fantom series. If it comes out soon enough, and I can still get top dollar value for the ES, then maybe .. just maybe.

Roland does get high marks from me for the V synth. If I was into spending the big bucks on a new analog modeled synth, the 'V' would be it. I'd have been very disappointed had I bought the Moog Voyager ( it was a consideration ), and then tried the 'V' afterward.

Instead though, I'm going with the Arturia Moog and the CSV80 vst's ( for a combined price of about 400 USd ), and I couldn't be happier. I'm going to add the RGC z3ta, which has some sounds I never dreamed of in an analog modeled synth. Software is the way for me for now, because I can spend "top dollar" ( which is usually in the 100-300 range ) to add the sounds I want, without having to spend and inordinate amount on a new board.

AJ



[This message has been edited by Bluezplayer (edited 02-09-2004).]