Edirol SD80 vs Roland XV-2020

[don4777]

I am new to MIDI and until now I have been using the Edirol VSC. I am now looking to get some better (i.e. more realistic) sounds. I have been looking at the Edirol SD80 and the Roland XV-2020. They appear to be fairly close in price. Could someone familiar with these units comment on how their sounds compare? Strengths and Weaknesses?

Of course I plan on making a trip to listen to them myself before making a final decision but would like to get other opinions since I won't be the only one listening to music using these sound modules. This isn't for professional use. My days of making a living in music are far behind me. But I still want them to sound good to others.

I would also appreciate any comments on reliability, customer support, etc.

I am also curious about the improvement in certain sounds by using the COSM in the XV-5050. Is it worth an extra ~$200 in creating more realistic guitar sounds? Although I'm sure it could be used to produce some very "creative" sounds - is it useful for other instruments in creating "realistic" sounds.

Thanks!!!!

 

[lumbago]

The General Midi sounds on the XV2020 are almost identical to the Edirol. But the XV5050 boasts the Performance and other patches too.

I'd get the XV2020. the expandability alone is worth the ticket.

(2xSRX cards - try Orchestra and Piano if you're a traditionalist, or Vintage Synth and World if you're an ambience freak).

As for my experience? I use an XV3080 and a XV-5050.

 

[VirtualSamana]

i have a jv1010 (the xv is a step up)

I heard the xv and liked it but as far as realism it still sounds like a synth.

If you want more realistic sounds you can't beat gigastudio. It's more of a leap from VSC than the XV would be.