DX7-II, SQ-80, or Nord Lead 3?

[commodorejohn]

No problem

[wildpaws]

The only thing the SQ would give are the wavetables, and they're nifty and all but most of the time it just sounds like a cheesy 80's ROMpler.

The advantage the SQ-80 would have in this scenario is simply that it has actual analog subtractive filters, so in addition to doing some basic FM-like digital sounds it can do some decent analog polysynth sounds, which are just as important to '80s-type music. As much as I like FM, it just plain can't sound analog - it always sounds like an FM recreation of the basic type of sound and never like an actual analog synth. The SQ-80 doesn't have that problem.

You've obviously never heard the SY77/99 do analog type sounds, they are actually quite good at it and the SYs filters are very good. I've been using an SY77 since 1990 and added an SY99 a few years ago, they are far from one trick ponies and are capable of most any type of sound you want to do.
Clyde

[commodorejohn]

You've obviously never heard the SY77/99 do analog type sounds, they are actually quite good at it and the SYs filters are very good. I've been using an SY77 since 1990 and added an SY99 a few years ago, they are far from one trick ponies and are capable of most any type of sound you want to do.

Well, I was speaking more of the DX7s than the SYs, which I've never used. Judging by the demos I've heard, they certainly get a good deal closer, thanks to having actual digital subtractive filters in the voice architecture (where the pure FM synths have to fake it.) That said, from what I've heard they still aren't quite a satisfactory substitute for real analog, though they'd do in a pinch and do have plenty else to recommend them.