Also none of the other 'D' range are comparable to D-50. The DX7 has 'FM' going on, but that is available in many other synths and even software (yes slight character differences but it's there), D-50 has no other alternative, the JD-800 is NOT the same sound engine as D-50, it may have nicer samples but that just makes it more like the M1/Romplers that followed the D-50 rather than being able to strip back to the 'virtual analog' nature of the often misunderstood D-50. It is both a 'proper' synthesizer with a deep architecture and a warmth/character than I don't think is found in any other later digital synth. I don't really care which was the most famous/iconic (which is OBVIOUSLY the DX7 no question) what I do care about, having owned them and used them is how in 2011 do they fit my music, what sonic posibilities do they offer that I can't get elsewhere? and for those reasons the D-50 is my choice over the other 2 by a large margin. M1 is weak and is only comparable to those other two in sales and popularity and decade of release, in all other ways it's the poor relation in 2011 even if it was the most successful synth in sales. It has none of the advanced D-50 architecture that makes the D-50 interesting today (Struct 1/2 NON PCM mode for example) or AFM/RCM in the SY77.

The M1 was massive yes, but unlike D-50 and DX7 it is and was a pure rompler with nowhere to go synthesis wise. The DX7 is also a very interesting synth but I prefer the SY-77 which is on par with the D-50 in many ways and even more powerful but not as warm (so it's hard for me to say which is 'best' from those two).

Had all 3 - D-50 hands down is the most interesting and beautiful.

Sonic cd korg m