Oh c'mon guys? Do we really have to choke and go belly up everytime a new technology comes along. I really do agree with the guy who said the XV is just a repackage. The 64MB Boards do look tasty, but we should use the new line of synths as an excuse to buy some more JVs and XPs at cheaper prices and rack up as many SRJV Boards at very low prices.
A fully expanded XP or JV should put you in the XV ball park. Obviously they don't saound bad if you bought the JV/XP in the first place. The Bass and Drum board is great and the amount of money you'd save would be staggering.
Want sample play back? Why not get a used Roland s700. That sampler does exactly what the XV5080 does - Sample play back and not sampling. Best of all, I've seen these go for about $600 and the screen and editing options on that module (S700) are more extensive and appealing. Just my opinion.
I think I'll take advantage of the falling prices, we will get more for the money. This isn't 1987. We knew that the D50 and D20 weren't totally realistic. This isn't the case with the XP's. They are right on the money - or at least a few feet away from it.