MPC and Alesis Pad Controller

Hey! I've recently begun playing with a new set up that involves an actual acoustic drum set mixed with triggering samples using an alesis pad controller. I have an MPC1000, which works great as a sampler in this set up, but because I no longer need to sequence anything I'm wondering if I really need something as crazy as the 1000. The main reason it's so effective in this set up is that I can save each song as a project file and load them up rather quickly. Also, mute targets are essential for when I'm triggering things like keyboard chords and I need the first chord to stop when the second comes in.

For reasons like these I'm wondering if I should just downgrade to the 500? Is there any truth to the arguments that the 500 doesn't sound as "good" or "big"?

Or...does anyone know of any good samplers that would fit into this set up, as I don't really need to sequence anything anymore. I'm currently looking into the SP404 but the MPC seems to make much better use of compact flash cards (at least for what I need). Thoughts?

Thanks!