Here's how I rank the MPC's.....
1. 3000 - It has it all style, functionality, durability.
2. 2000XL - Waveform editing, Use of wav files
3. 60II - A briliant update to the original
4. 2000 - Great styling idea..... easier to transport
5. 60 - The original
6. 2500 - A step in the right direction as far as modern technology, QLink
7. 4000 - All in one workstation /w cd burner; 512Mb max memory
8. 500 - Cheap solution for the die hard newbie... Ultra compact
9. 1000 - Nice update for the 2000XL.... Don't like carrying the 4000.....
The 4000 & 1000 were the worst MPC ever made because either AKAI had to update the OS to fix problems or they constantly were(or are)breaking.
The 2500 and 500 are closer to the bottom only because the vintage samplers are a liitle better.
My list:
1. MPC 3000 (although I rarely use mine)
2. MPC 2500
3. MPC 4000
4. MPC 2000XL
5. MPC 1000
6. MPC 2000
7. MPC 60/60II
8. MPC 500