The software is clearly VERY important. But without the hardware the software would be unnecessary.

If the Phatbox didn't use cd chnager interface, they would have to have better software to compete with Empeg. If the Neo didn't connect through IDE, had something better than a 20x4 character LCD, and wasn't so cheap I'm sure the Neo would have to have better software to compete with Empeg.

The way I see it, the software is so advanced because the hardware allows for it. If the Empeg didn't have such a vicious VFD, there would be little need for visuals. The VFD also allows for such a refined interface.

I realize that this issue could be argued that the advanced software demanded better hardware. So, maybe they are more linked than I originally thought. It's just that if you take a Neo, Phatbox, and Empeg side by side, Empeg is the hands-down winner when it comes to hardware features. After you playwith them for a little bit, you realize Empeg has them beat in software as well.