I will put in my 1/2 cent of advice. I currently play a set of new Sonor Designers(One of last ones made before they stopped makeing them) and I would have to say that is does sound amazing and is super super beefy. My only complaint is that they are heavy and very expensive. If you are okay with getting your drums beat up from playing out then go with the SQ2. IMO the sound is superior to the Tama's. I think that Tama make incredible drums that are great sounding and road worthy but the SQ2 series are a work of art. If you are thinking of spending that much coin, I would also consider Brady. If I didn't have my Designers and Delites I would definety get a Brady. Brady's have one of the most unique signature sounds I have ever heard and they too are works of art. I would ask yourself the following questions before you decide to sell your body for a set of drums:
1. Are my finances stable?(If you can't pay outright for it, don't buy it)
2. If I get a scratch on these drums will I have complete mental breakdown? (if so go for the Starclassic, it will hurt but not hurt as bad)
3. Is this the last set of drums I plan on buying? (If so, better get what you want)
4. How important are finish options?(is your dream finish something that only one of the manufactures can create or can both?)
5. Which hardware do you like the best for both looks and funtionality? (The Sonor stuff is a bit over engineered, but is the most adjustable hardware I have seen)
6. What can of sound do I want? e.g. maple, jarrah, karri, birch, bubinga or beech
7. What kit can or can not live without?
8. What would I be giving up to buy a very expensive set of drums? e.g. girlfriend, trip to fiji, food, left testicle, Drum lessons. If you have to give something up for a set of drums it may not be worth it. Remember it just a set of drums and there will always be something newer and better coming out down the road.
9. How important is having a super custom set?
I know this seems like an over analysis just for a set of drums. But DUDE, this is a decision that can affect things in either a postive way or negative way(wallet). If money is not a deciding factor go for the SQ2 if it is look at something else like the Starclassic or there is beautiful set of Yamaha Custom Maples in red sparkle on Ebay right now. If I had the dough I would buy them because they are sweet.
J.