I don't know about that, Fran... Obviously, we've got to hear one up close and personal, but although the arranger features ARE probably a bit more basic than the E50, it's Sonic Cell engine may prove to be of better overall quality, and it's audio playback features are on no Roland arranger short of the E80 V2 ($3k more!).

I don't think any direct comparison is fair, because of it's hybrid WS/arranger nature, but for someone doing more than just arranger playing, this one may be at least equivalent to an E50, and may better it in some regards... If all you want is a bare bones arranger, with some audio capability and WS type control, this may be a great product...