1)overall, are you happy with the sounds compared to other synths?

Yea. I think it sounds pretty good.

2)can cubase or other sequencer access patches from the expand boards at the same time as the normal patches?

Yes. In performance mode, you can access 15 patches and one rhythm set simultaneously. And each patch can use tones from different boards.

3)is it the same as a xp60 without the sequencer...are the effects different?

I don't have an xp60, and I'm too lazy to look it up, but I'm pretty sure the answer is yes as far as the internals go. I believe the 60 has more outputs and more pedal jacks. Maybe more keys.

4)overall,..is it a good quality product or more like an entry level synth

Well, I'd say it's priced at entry level. It's physical build is as good as any other synth out there. The sound quality is great, and it's very tweakable. The number of patches (and the three expansion boards) was the biggest selling point for me. Then when I started playing with it, I discovered a whole slew of other cool shit that I didn't even know about when I bought it.


5)can you save patch tweaks to the bank/patch# it's at or only to the smartmedia cards?are the factory presets permanant?is there a user bank?

Yes. You can save all of your stuff in the user area (128 patches, 2 rhythm sets, 32 performances). If you run out of room there, you can move stuff to/from your computer with the included SoundDiver (see previous thread about soundiver thinking my xp-30 was a jv1010 to get it to work), or you can save to the cards.
You can edit the factory settings for patches rhythm sets, and performances, but that information will be lost if you do not store it in the user area (that's it's purpose) or one of the other methods I just mentioned.


>I currantly have a childs toy(yamaha psr500) and anything is better but I want a good synth and can only afford one. I want to be happy with it for years to come and give me lots of sounds and patches that are tweakable and shapeable.

I think this will fit your needs quite nicely. At this price range (I found mine for $900), you definitely get you money's worth.