OS,

Well, I guess you're not going to want to hear about how awesome the Roland XV-5080 with the SRX-02 "Dynamic Drums" card sounds?
Even beats the TD-10EX, IMO.

As a drummer, I'm a bit picky about drum sounds (and responsiveness of pad/module combo). For the money, The TD-8 really gives the unexpanded TD-10 a run for the money. Used TD-8's are in the $600 range.

The DMPro has some good sounds, but that depends on taste.... The DMPro has some features I dislike: that little Q rotary dial for editing in submenus, the fact sounds disappear for a few seconds while changing kits, etc.

I'm biased to Roland, just cuz' I like the V-Drum set-up.

I am an ex-pro too, who has found a technological re-birth and musical re-growth with the gear. I'm sure my financial analyst would recommend not wasting cash on stuff that depreciates so quickly, but.....

Chris