In my 10 year experience with different synths,samplers & drum machines, I discover that every manufacturer have it's "own sound". Kyle5486 should look for Korg synth, rather than Roland, 'cos Roland have more "synth & analogue" sound. It's fast, sharp and if I may say "agressive". Korg's got soft & clean sounds (strings,e-pianos,etc) and soft analogue sounds (Pink Floyd, Tangerine Dream, Vangelis, J.M.Jarre; you'll have to made it on your own). Try with an older synth such is Korg 01/W. It have all what you need (splits with up to 8 sounds together) and all of the patches (200) are user definable, so you can change all sounds anytime you want, not only 128 as on other synths. If you like to play with your synth, soon you'll discover that any synth could be timeless. In fact, inspiration & your unique sound (even strings or piano or e-piano) makes your music special. Or,if you can, buy Korg as well as Roland. You won't be sorry. That's my opinion, but finally it's your decision: go to music store and listen every synth. Get one which most pleased you with sound that you need.
And to pianos: nothing is real as the "real thing" is.