Is there a good, cheaper alternative to a Roland SPD-S???

[drenwick]

So I long for a Roland SPD-S but in reality would use it very infrequently for gigging and not enough to justify the expense. Is there another less sophisticated similar unit that can be had pretty cheap used that does basically the same thing? Sampling is not important to me - just want some expanded sounds here and there.

 

Second half of the question is do most people plug that type of unit into the band's PA or a separate amp? (We play small to medium bars/clubs, 50-200 max)

 

Thanks!