Gah, you're right. It is a $500 difference.

I just hope I don't have to deal with SonicBlue's infamous customer service. I'm still waiting for the free replacement wall wart for my Rio 800 Extreme that I ordered over a month ago when they recalled the model that shipped with it.

I've wanted an Empeg since they came out (was actually in the 3rd batch of folks able to buy them originally), but I could never justify the cost. I was saddened when SonicBlue took over, because their customer service is so horrendous.

Don't get me wrong; I'm ecstatic that I finally have an Empeg MkII (two, after they ship the one I just ordered after Jan 3rd), but the prospect of dealing with them again on a customer service issue scares and saddens me (I had to have a shouting match with them just to get a replacement install CD for my Rio 800 Extreme.)