I was wondering have anyone ever got a chance to compare the sonic grit between the two?

I've owned both and I say the ASRX wins hands down for sound and all around better sampler. The grit on an ASRX is classic and it doesn't take much to get a good sound, but on the 404 it's more "plastic" and requires more work/resampling to get that same character. The 404 does have some benefits, like more effects, and the ability to use the memory card as ram, but the asrx wins on filters (since they are analog filters). The asrx and the sp 404 is not a good comparison. The closest SP to an asrx is the sp505. The sound and all around features are most similar.

thanx for the response......

so to really get that gritty sound the 404 requires quite a bit more effort?
Have you had any expierience with the sp 303?

i would say get both,. they can not be compared to each other.

its like comparing a machine gun to a swiss army knife .

interesting......

which one is the machine gun,and which one is the swiss army knife? Alos is it true the sp 303 have the same sample engine as the sp 505?

Sorry to resurrect this old thread but I can honestly say that using both would be good. I've been using the ASR-X for about three years and it's an educational experience. I just got a 303 and I'm learning that one right now. I think it compliments my Josephine ( my asrx..lol) pretty well especially when it comes to samples...especially the drums.

Additionally the X has ill effects and EQ's which can be used to fine tune things. You can use it to pan shit. You can add depth to sounds as well if you're looking to layer samples. You can also use it's envelope features to make sounds punchier...use filter envelopes and control the pitch of sounds. I found a cool way to make drone sounds with the both of them too...I love the set up..Peace.