I just posted this same message over at the Synth board so sorry if this is redundant...

I'm shopping for my first synth right now. The way I see it, I could get a Yamaha Cs2x as a controller for analogue sounds (as well as those twisty knobs) and an MPC2000or something for all other sounds. I know neither has the greatest presets, but I figure between the two, it should get me started, and I can always get a module down the road. I'm running Cubase on my G3 tower, so I've got that base covered.

My questions are:
1. Will I be able to map samples across the Yamaha, and will I able to tweak envelopes and filters and stuff directly on that board, or will I have to do all that from the sampler?
2. I've heard that the Cs1x isn't doesn't even have a synth engine and that it's based on analogue samples. Is this true for the Cs2X as well?
3. Should I just screw it and get a Triton? I thought "no" at first since I didn't need the sequencer but it seems to have everything else I need at about the same price, maybe even less.

I must admit that I loved the Triton when I demo'ed it. Maybe a better question would be, is there any reason why I SHOULDN'T just get it? I know it's all a matter of taste--I'm just looking for some opinions. Thanks for helping a beginner out.