Hi Les, I'm interested in purchasing some more sampled instruments for the EXS24. With only a single SampleCell CD, I have no experience with the alternatives. I like the fact that the SampleCell CD has multiple velocity ranges for the keys. 1. My interest is in acoustic instruments. Of the sample formats available for importing, which is best for providing realism? Well, it doesn't really matter too much. Samples are samples (with the exception that higher bit-rates and sample rates may give you a more realistic sound). Most sample CD's I believe contain 16-bit 44.1 kHz samples (with the odd one at 16-bit 48 kHz). Where the differences are is in the specific sampler's synthesis engine and dacs. 2. Are there some preferred vendors which provide top quality samples (well, maybe not top quality, I'm only an amatuer - possibly my criteria should be 'best bang for the buck'). Well, each format is specific to the sampler format. If you're looking for best bang for the buck, obviously it would be a native format exs-24. However, if you have any other samplers, it may be most advisable to go with the Akai format since exs-24 can directly import Akai format CD's. It also allows you to keep your library if you move to a new sampler in the future. Almost every sampler manufacturer (software and hardware) provides Akai import capabilities. For absolute top quality, I would recommend Ilio (www.ilio.com). Almost every sample CD I've heard from them is playable right out of the box and their quality is top-notch. They distribute sample CD Roms of their own as well as Spectrasonics and Sonic Reality. The Spectrasonics and Ilio stuff is what I've heard the most from and is really top-notch. IMHO, it isn't much more expensive than other sample CD Roms with the difference being that their sounds are much, much better for my ears. There are other companies too though like East West (www.soundsonline.com), Sampleheads (www.sampleheads.com), and Big Fish Audio (www.bigfishaudio.com). East West has a huge selection of CD Roms. They have their share of duds IMHO but also some really fantastic stuff. They sell the Quantum Leap Brass CD Rom set which is really excellent. Other notable CD's that they sell are Advanced Orchestra collection and Pure Guitars. IMHO, when you spend the money on better sample CD Roms, you'll get the best quality. It all depends on how high a quality you require. Personally, I would rather have a smaller CD collection with great sounds than a large one with sounds that I am never quite happy with. What kinds of sounds are you looking for? If you're looking for realistic orchestral sounds, you'll be spending lots of $$$ as these sets typically cost lots of money. Some sets can run you a few thousand dollars with the average set costing around $1,000. You can spend less but it won't be as realistic usually. The nice thing is that most of the time, you can buy each CD one at a time. For example, if you need better brass than you currently have, buy just the Brass CD from the Adv. Orch set. Then, when you can afford it, buy the Woodwinds. Most CD Roms cost anywhere from $200-400 US with CD sets costing anywhere from $600-1000. Anyway, the above companies are the ones I would recommend. Most have online demos that you can listen to so that you can have some sort of sense as to what the library is all about. Oh well, I've probably rambled on enough now. Check them out and when you have specific sounds that you're looking for, feel free to ask. I've heard many of these first-hand through friends who own them or CD's that I personally have bought. HTH, Fernando