The S5000 represents a valid alternative to the more expensive S6000. Even if it doesn't come fully expanded from factory, it can grow up with the user needs thanks to a large number of expansion possibilities.

Here are the main differences between the two samplers and, when available, the expansion options for the S5000.

- Operativity. The biggest difference with the S6000 is the absence of the removable control panel. The S5000, anyway, features the same big graphic display and the same controls found on the S6000, with the only exception of the three programmable User Keys. Even if this may slightly reduce the convenience of the S5000 in a recording studio context, it makes the sampler perhaps even more suitable for live applications, considering also to the height reduced to 3U.

- Polyphony. The S5000 is 64-voice polyphonic (128-voice polyphony is available installing the optional VOX-64 board).

- Analog I/O. There are 8 unbalanced outputs, expandable to 16 with the optional IB-S508P board. Balanced XLR input and output connections are not available, as well as the rear panel analog inputs.

- FX processors. The S5000 comes with no pre-installed FX processors, but the same EB-20 board featured on the S6000 can be mounted.

- Disk option slot. The frontal drive slot is not available, but a removable HD unit (Zip, Jaz) can be fitted in place of the internal FDD. An internal SCSI HD unit can also be installed.