The RS series is cheaper than the XP's because the RS5/9 do not have aftertouch sensitive keyboards and lack the expansion capabilities of the JV/XP/XV synths. There are no slots in which to instal SR-JV or SRX expansion boards.

If you like the sounds, go for it. Just remember that's all you get.

The XP-50 would let you make use of the 20 or so SR-JV expansion boards out there. Personally, I would just skip the XP-50 and hunt down a used XP-60.

If you don't need the sequencer stuff on the XP50/60 just go for the XP30. I've had one for 2 years now and love it. It comes with all the sounds from the XP50/60/80 and JV1080/2080 plus it already has the Session, Techno and Orchestral expansion boards already built in (roughly 1,400 sounds total). It still has 2 more open slots for other SR-JV boards. I have the Vinstage Synth board which is an awsome expansion board on its own.

[This message has been edited by brzilian76 (edited 04-06-2002).]