i guess it will be difficult to get something 'better' than a roland xv series modul, they (or at least in that price range / category) will be just different in the number and type of sounds they offer, maybee you should have a look at one of the e-mu modules... they are very decent, assuming you like the sound types they offer.

what is you don't like about the roland XV5050?? what exactly should be better? the sound quality itself (the actual engine)or the variety of sounds or the type of sounds or the control surface or what?

as i understand you are living in the UK, if there is a Digital Village nearby take a sneak down there and the best thing is to audition them yourself...

i like the xv5050, i think it is really good but i was wondering if there is anything else better than that around my price range

as i said have a look at e-mu.

I agree Aaron, you should get something better!

From someone like myself, who worked too many years with synthesizers, allow me to suggest this:
Do some research and find human breathing musicians to work with. True, you won't be able to program them (although some are, surprisingly enough - programable !?) But at the same time you will get something really great - A FEEL. Now that's something that hi-tech could still not put into computers. Humans musicians can give you a perspective that you didn't think of and that you may really like.

They are also more communicative than synth modules and computers (I don't consider pop-ups windows to be communication).

Most important; too many fine and talented people have lost their jobs to machines, assembly lines and computers. Why not take a personal action, like I do, to bring the concept of community back to our miserable lives, and work with actual people.
Music is definitely a good place to start.

Just a little something to think about.

OJG

oh... and i forgot if you want something really 'good' (it will exceed your budget, thou...) then get an access virus... it's not a classic sound module, more a synth, but if you are not able to get any imagineable sound out of it, then it's you (your skills) not the virus... just a thought. really having a virus saves nearly about any other sound source* except the human voice!!!

* speaking of an electronic device!

I agree about the Access Virus. I use it for 75% of music that I write. It is really beefy and fat sounding as well as "current" and "retro" sounding.