I've since revised my position entirely on sequencing. I messed around with a friend's Elektribe and -- although I do realize the sequencer will be different in an MPC -- I absolutely loved the feel of sequencing on hardware. Wayyy different workflow. I completely underestimated the difference in feel.
The 2000XL if the MPC is going to be your main workstation. Because the sound is flawless and you can contain your sound in that MPC without much corrective mixing in your DAW...2500 and 1000 has a good sound, but I wouldn't say its flawless like the 2000XL.
Let's say I have a 2kxl and a 1000, both with the same exact samples, same exact sequencing, and let's not get into effects. Just straight samples. If I go to record just the stereo out, are you telling me A.) the sound of the XL is simply better, or B.) the XL's ability to transfer what you've monitored is more accurate?
Also, "...you can contain your sound in that MPC without much corrective mixing in your daw...", are you saying that the 2kxl retains "sound" better than the 1k? Not sure I follow.
To Nym, I plan on having it as a workstation mainly for sampling, but would also like to be able to have MIDI jams, if you will, if I get more intensive in the hardware setup. If I end up getting completely comfortable with hardware to the point that I don't need Logic for composition, I plan on getting a 3k (4 MIDI outs = boss as ****, not to mention the 8 indie-outs). But until then, I just want to sort of jump in the shallow end.
Also, would you guys say the MPCs can work together in a setup? I've seen cats with 60's, 3k's, and 1000's in the same setup. Is that because people just buy more MPCs and don't sell, or is this an actual technique?