Doepfer

hello, i'm new to this list too..and just for reference,  i have a 
modest system of mixed doepfer/analog 
systems/blacet/metasonix pieces. 
 
in your post you mention:  "> I have no real interest in the typical 
"techno" or beat oriented 
> sounds, I'm looking for noises (not really the typical analog 
> blurbling, more harsh type sounds like the EMS), sound 
effects, 
> drones, etc..."

well, from my experience w all this stuff, for what you're looking 
for, it's worth taking a look at blacet modules, check out the 
darkstar module as a good starting point.   that said, i don't think 
you'll find a easy substitute for the vcs3 'sound'.   then again,  
now that i think of it, i recently played w an arp 2600 that was 
certainly happiest making the types of sound you describe.  it 
really has a mind of it's own sometimes, much like the vcs3, and 
is somewhat similar in nature.

good luck.