So, isn't this somewhat like a bunch of people with average cars, getting all worked up about the pros and cons of the latest Lamborghini?
Sure... it goes 0-60 in under 3 seconds. But you can't put the family in it, heck, you can't afford to even have it tuned up
OF COURSE, a $5000 arranger damn well ought to sound amazing. Thing is, sound isn't everything. Flexibility, ease of editing and style creation, logical panel layout, and the likelihood of continued style development at an affordable price are considerations.
I really liked the demos (didn't listen to them all, but at least ten), and in fact have said how good the Audya sounds from the first day they posted decent audio demos (BTW, why the hell are these up as videos? Audio would have been sufficient). However, the sound ALONE is but a small part of the whole arranger experience. For $5000, I expect that and much more.
The sound I already get, for how I use it, is more than sufficient. To gain the extra realism of the Audya (for certain, but by no means ALL the sounds), I would have to give up FAR too much that I take for granted on my G70. AND pay a boatload more money. Editing ease, operational ease, flexibility and customizability are VERY important to me. When my current arranger does such a good job, why would I give up all that I need, for a bit better drums and guitars (didn't hear much else dramatically improved)?
When this technology matures, and becomes available at a more down to earth price, then I will revisit it (by then, perhaps all the editing and style creation abilities will have been figured out, and more chord choices for the audio will be possible. But until then, I can wait.
And the very vocal fanboys can put a poster up in their dormrooms, next to that one of the Ferrari F50, that they also will never actually BUY!
It's great to dream, but if you actually have enough to REALLY buy one, some of the more practical considerations come into play...