Yes, the SQ-80 rocks, just a shame that it was not expandable to more than 8 voices, plus a a multi-mode LP, HP, BP, BR filter would be nice and also "real" DCO's for standard waveforms (ramp/saw/square) would be handy as this would allow PWM. On the plus side the keyboard is responsive (if a little "clacky"), the ROM waveforms have a nice tinge of aliasing and the filters are warm. Oh yes, another pair of outputs wouldn't go amiss!

When I bought my first one in 1988 the competition was a Korg M1, needless to say that the Korg sold bucket-loads and the Ensoniq didn't. The Ensoniq still destroys the M1 for programmability and is a very good (and cheap) alternative to a modern VA - why have "virtual analogue filters" when you can have the real thing??

1) Modulation routability. you can route damn near everything to everything. all 3 osc's, 4 amps, and the filter can be modulated by each other or themselves or the envelopes or the velocity/aftertouch/modwheel. That said, you will never get bored programming it.

2) Sequencer + Disk Drive. for the price ($300-$400) this sequencer is really nice as a 10 year old workstation. 8 tracks can send 8 notes each externally to control anything else in your midi arsenal. Quantize/StepEdit/PunchIN-OUT. Each disk can hold 10 sequencer blocks and a block is either 1 sequence or the ENTIRE sequence memory.. therefore you can potentially save 600 sequences on a disk (taking into consideration just how complex your sequences are). I've managed to initialize a few normal 1.44MB HD disks so i can tell you it CAN be done.

3) as a Master Controller. polyphonic aftertouch was god's gift to ensoniq. i absolutely love it. where else are you going to find this feature on a 61 note keyboard with full midi capabilities for under $400 ?

i think if you are looking for ANY sort of keyboard in the $300-$400 range you should most definitely check out the SQ-80. especially in place of such boards as the juno series or any of the old korgs (dw's, poly's). It has a sequencer, poly-aftertouch, analogue filters, a button for every parameter, and a disk drive... what more could you ask for?

now, about this synth it rocks, i just got one for $300 =P