Hardware samplers...

[IamEvil]

I need a sampler... I could buy Kontakt, but for around the same price I can get a used hardware box (which I prefare to use).

My previous experience of sampling is with the yamaha A3000 and thats basically it.

I want the sampler to do mainly drums and also to sample synth sounds for that "hard trance" type sound. - this will probably change as I run around like a madman with a microphone

My choices are:-

* Get an Akai S5000/6000 for about £300-400 + another £300 to fully load it with USB+effects . I love the large screen and removable controls on the S6000

* Get a Yamaha A5000 for about £200, Total Bargain for what it does , even worth the money just to use it as an effects processor.

* Get an Emu E4 ultra for about £400. Not had any experience with them.

So Im leaning towards either the Akai or the Yamaha, my pocket says the Yam but my "that will look cool in my rack" side says the akai.

Does anyone here fancy throwing some input in to help me with this rather hard choice ?