There have been mentions in other threads that one of the delays was because they were looking to use the best value CPU, (P3, P4 , Dual Core) which would indicate that Audya maybe software based, (Or at least a Hybrid) meaning load times and processing of audio loops in real time is possible. (Still take a hell of a lot of CPU power though)
As to release date, Ketron is a European manufacture, and so Europe will probably get it about 6 months before the US, hence the discrepancy in launch dates.
I am certainly looking forward to trying it.

Bill