My only downpoint is the filters. This is because above my s5000 I have a Nord Lead 2 and Access Virus A. Both of them kill the filters on the s5000 - althought the s5K has 17 filter types, I assign the cutoff to a slider on my controller keyboard and tweak minorly. It does a good job of what you put in is what you get out, but not as good a job of revolutionizing your sounds once they are in. This may be my lack of expertise in programming, but trying all the different filters, they just arent warm is all. I will be running a few channels through other filters as I get them to improve the sonic torture factor.

The unit is excellent as far as stability, I am using v.2.x something (not writing this from studio) and my pc has crashed while using the s5000 and it didnt even bother it (connected over usb at the time). Hybrid and many other artists use this sampler, though maybe not in the creative part ,more live stuff... which I will use it for.

The s6000 has xlr inputs and a detachable screen as well as room for a zip drive on the unit itself. So, its worth the difference, though they are more rare used. If you are used to working with a software sampler, but hate latency. Its a good switch.

If you get a good deal on a mint condition one, then you should be happy for years to come with this. (z4, z8 models include 24/96 sample capability but have smaller screens (they also have 4 or 8 knobs to tweak in realtime)). Esp. because Emu have a very high resale value & Yamaha have slow scsi transfer time... :)