im in exactly the same boat currently... I have used the ES8 and as powerfull as it is, its super old and im keen to explore what else is out there. I ideally need 7 loops, paralell processing with midi pc functionality. A really nice to have is loop re-order capability.
The things on my watch list are the ...
Musicom labs EFX-LE 2 £400
MOOER L6 MKII £140 (only 6 loops and no paralell but the price cannot be ignored)
Musicom labs EVX mk5 or mk6 £650?