Man, do not get pulled into this whole "love affair" with the 3000! They all have a unique sound to them. The 3000 has its own quirks and good points, just like the 2500 does. I have heard people making heat on 500's, 5000's, 3000's and every other sampler out there. I have used or owned ALL of the Akai's and Emu's (and Casio too). My mentor got the MPC 3000 as a gift from Russell Simmons (R.I.P. "EQ" - Masterwerks Recording Complex) and he swore by it (and the Sp12, 1200's) and hated the 2000XL when I purchased it. The 2500 that I have now does not sound "thin" to me - if you mean lacking in tone. This whole type of debate is on every forum on the net - microphones, preamps, compressors and every single piece of gear out there. Get yourself a 2500, use it creatively and diligently and make a judgment yourself as to how it sounds. I use the 2500 exclusively now and I am ok with the way it sounds. I learn new things about it everyday. I use a Tascam 2488 because it suits my songwriting needs right now. Does it sound like a U87, Avalon, Apogee, SSL, Protools chain? Of course not. But when I need a chain like that - I go and book hours at the places that own the SSL's, Focusrite and Avalon level gear. When I build my rooms, I will buy what my budget allows to get the best sound that I can. So for now, don't pressure yourself. Buy the **** 2500 or hook up with someone who has one and try it in a few different situations. Then do the same with the 3000. If you can't find anyone, then book a couple of hours of off-peak time at a studio that has them both and go use them. Then you won't have to ask such questions because your ears will be your judge. When you listen on Soundcloud, ect you don't know what other processing has been done to the tracks. Go and get your hands on these things in a creative setting - not Guitar Center where you have no creative freedom. And then post your findings here!
Just my advice!
