HEY, I too have listen to them both online and at my local music store. I thought they sounded pretty good. Most of the higher end Zildjians sound too "jazzy" to me. Anyway, I have two ZXT crashes that are good. I have had them now for about a year and they have no dents and still sound the same as when I bought them. Let me know how it turns out. GO FOR THE SOUND!!!!!!!

Step away from the ZXT.  Put your hands up and step away.

Sound samples can be misleading.  I wouldn't rely on them.  It's kind of like photocopying a picture.  You can tell what it is, but it's in black and white and poor quality.  This is especially true if the samples are in a compressed format such as real audio or mp3.  As much of 90% of the sound has been removed. (This is even more true for cymbals because the majority of the sound is in the high frequencies.  Audio compression likes to completely remove lots of top end.)  Listen in person.

You're getting good advice- buy the BEST cymbals you can afford.  I'll tell you what you can do:  go to a local drum shop and try out the high-end cymbals- Zildjian, Paiste, Sabian.  When you find something you like, go home and search for it on ebay.  If you are disciplined and patient, you will be able to get the top-of-the-line ride you want for UNDER $150.  I have purchased a total of 8 rides on ebay- Paiste 2002 (2), Traditionals (1), and Signature prototype(1), as well as Zildjian K (2) and K Custom Dark (2), all for under $140 each.  I've also bought a bunch of hats and crashes on ebay at great prices.  

Aren't some ZXT cymbals bronze while others are titanium?  I would think they would have vastly differnt sounds, though I don't believe I have ever heard a titanium cymbal.  I would imagine that would be a pretty harsh sound.  If they are made of two differnt alloys I would think the advice would differ based on which one you were talking about.

I think I'd prefer the standard ZXTs...again based only on online sound samples. Best to try em in the store though, for as djphrenzy noted, these can be mileading. Live is best. Thanx all for the posts. If I can find a good 2nd hand cast, I'll go with it, although again, buying on ebay is still sight unseen (unheard?). Otherwise, I need to nail down the best sheet cymbal, i.e. B8, BN8 Pro, Xs or ZXT.

I do have B8 Pro crashes (rock and medium) and find them both quite nice for the price. Is the power rock ride dry? I already have a dry ride, so am looking for something with a different sound and feel.