Xpantastic!

Hi,

I was wondering why the Xpander, made from 'crummy' Curtis chips, can 
out-sound any of the VST soft synths I've heard.

The conclusion I came to is this: The right pair of ears, but not just 
that - enough technological knowledge to influence prototyping.

As an example, Stevie Wonder was instrumental in some synth creations. 
Kraftwerk were too. And Thomas Dolby. And I guess Tom Oberheim has great 
ears.

Are the soft synth creators not using the best producer's or artist's 
ears? Or is analogue circuitry just better-sounding? Or have I just not 
heard the best soft synths?

Jeremy.