Im just about to order an MD SPS-1 UW - I basically dont just want 808/909 style unit (have that in god knows how many units allready), but rather I want something I can guenuinely craft my own sounds in, load my own samples into and that also provides alot of flexible step sequencing and fx in a single unit.
The other nice thing about the MD - its just the right size to live on the flat part of the Virus TI keyboard - OK - so thats not really a consideration, but its certainly a bonus when its comes to having it close on hand in a keyboard stand, and helps to bring it an the synths together when using perc sounds from both the MD and my other synths.
Other things I like about the MD - I have a midi drum kit as well - the MD is apparently quite flexible abount assigning midi notes numbers to sounds, so I hope to sometimes drive it from my drum kits when I want real playing, but strange sounds, or alternately maybe layering more natural sampled drums from my Motif ES or V-Drum kit onto it.
Alot of people describe the MD as being a bit lo-fi as well. Im not sure if thats likely to be a problem or not until I get my hands on one. From everything Ive heard done with them, I very much doubt it - if anything its a welcome part of the unit's character - and I do like just about everything have heard out of them. Sonically they seem amazingly flexible units.
Where they MD really seems to score is its apparent ease of use, though obviously owning one will tell the real story here.
Good luck with whatever you go with
