How about modular synthesis?
If you like the nord sound the Mod G2 cannot be beaten.

He said less than 1000$...

Have you considered a Dave Smith Evolver? I don´t know them well but i´ve heard good things about them.

I heard the evolver has no off button...meaning you have to pull the plug out to turn the thing off

The keyboard version does http://www.dsisynth.com/photos/EvoKey_Rear_Angle.JPG but for some odd reason the desktop version doesn´t :confused:

Edit: Oh wait, the desktop version has a button on the front saying "main". It might be a power button. Who knows ;)

ya keyboard version is way too expensive ...from this poll looks like the nord lead 2x takes the lead..i'm buying one i'll post pictures and samples soon.

I read more info about the radias and what ten said so it seems that it is maybe not the right synth for me. Anyway, I have been thinking about the mono evolver keyboard and nord 2x so maybe those are the 2 which I will get later this year. I have not tested evolver yet but I've heard many demos and it sounds very good. The mono keyboard has knobs for all most important parameters and it also has an lcd that you can give names to your sounds. It seems to be very easy to program compared to the desktop version. I never liked Waldorf Pulse's matrix editing system altough it is a very powerful synth and I use it in every production. And what is good about evolver is that it's real analog and it seems to have a very powerful sound.

I have never owned a nord lead 2 but I had a nord modular and I've tested the nord 2. It has a good pure sound and the filter is good. It can do good basslines and leads and it is super easy to use. I've always liked the nord interface. And the Nord Rack 2X price is good these days. I just hope that they don't stop the production before I get mine...

But yeah, please post pictures and sounds when you get it! :)

The nord is a very solid top notch build and has a great va sound... i didn't like the lack of fx, simple LED, and patch storage.. but thats me just being a bit picky.

The Radias is a decent build except the pots are a bit plasticy. I love the ability to morph filters and the formant functionality.. I get some good unique sounds from this unit, squeeky clean digital though thats fine as much of my other stuff is of the usual VA quality so it has its place.