Saitek have a reputation for quality control issues. That said I've got an X52 pro which works magically and has been perfect for about 2 years now. I think you either get a good one or a bad one, and gods help you if you get a bad one. If the X56 will be any better I don't know, it appears to be basically an x55 with a couple of mini sticks added on, which is a fairly good pedigree, but is generally regarded as the lowest quality expensive stick on the market. The mini sticks should be nice for strafing so if the quality is good then the X56 could genuinely be a good space sim stick.
Now It's not out yet, so wait for some reviews to come out, I'm just suggesting caution on jumping right in. Saitek are also making the Star citizen hotas setups, those look like x52 and x65 clones, though details aren't out yet. If so then Saitek are essentially making clones of their 3 main sticks over the next year or so. Additionally Thrustmaster are just about to announce a new range, the reveal should be on may the 4th (star wars themed stick? :P), no clue if this will be up in the Warthog quality range or not. However what we will likely see is people jumping ship and selling off their old sticks once preorders start being fulfilled, so if you don't mind a second hand stick I'd wait and see a bit longer and hopefully the prices will drop. VKB are also doing some stuff, but good luck getting hold of that!
TLDR: I really encourage a hotas setup, they are great fun, but now is about the worst time to buy one, there are half a dozen new ones coming out this year and it'll be good to see how those review before picking a side, at the very least wait 1 week to find out what Thrustmaster are up to!