I've got a BR-8 and this seems very close. Improvements seem pretty useful, like the USB output instead of the Zips like I have to use.
Some variation in the rythm guide is nice but I'd still use an external source for drums.
EQ is nice but I do all my mixing on the computer so most of the bells and whistles wouldn't be useful to someone like me.
However, since I like my BR8 so much I would recommend this item to any newbie if I knew one thing.....................
How Much?????
If they kept it under 600 bucks I would consider it fair.