For those that love the vintage sound, but can't carry a tech to keep them maintained all the time, I think I can honestly recommend the Nord's as being the best all-rounder for that task.

Rhodes, Clav, Wurli and B3. All of these models are at the very top of the heap in realism, the controls are plentiful and logical, the key-beds are great, they are light and attractive onstage.

To compare one of these to a DX7 is to miss the point entirely. The DX7 NEVER came even close to any of the above instruments. It may have been the closest at the time of it's release, but this is over 20 years on. Most of these Nord models are extremely close to the original instruments... Enough to be used in favor of them on countless recordings and on national tours by name bands (just saw AWB using one a few weeks ago).

The DX7 NEVER ever came close to fooling anyone, it was just the most convenient at the time. But these Nord's, for the sounds they do do, are balls on dead accurate, and easily able to fool all but the most discerning ear.

I think I am talking myself into a gear purchase...!