Need some advice

[krismiller1982]

I already know there will be a large bias towards the virus in this forum. But hopefully I can get some honest straight forward answers. I would like to know the benefits - besides tactile controls - of having a virus over plugins like Zebra or Sylenth. I've seen many conflicting posts on other forums where people say they pretty much can sound the same. Its a fact some plugins can offer a wider palette for sound design, but this alone doesn't sell me on getting Zebra or Sylenth.. Quite a few outside forum members say when comparing Zebra to Virus the sound is close enough to justify not purchasing a virus. This bothers me, as I'm an analogue synth junkie & know the aural benefits of having the real thing first hand. I know the Virus is a VA synth, but surely there has to be some audible benefits to having a virus over plugins. Even in 2013. If anybody knows of posts with A/B clips comparing the virus to plugins or a just a good honest opinion please share it with me ASAP. Thanks