IMO hardware synth value is mostly for the interface. Analogue filters and amplifier can be nice to add colour and while software doesn't emulate smp/distortion

IMO hardware synth value is mostly for the interface. Analogue filters and amplifier can be nice to add colour and while software doesn't emulate smp/distortion variations yet, it's fine enough for most people. For a beginner, a midi keyboard controller with tactile faders (not endless encoders! these are horrible.) is a solid standard and affordable set up. VSTs and DAWs are at a point where real time synthesis and effects work as well as hardware synths on a normal computer. Recommendations; Propellerheads Reason, Native Instruments FM8 (excellent 8 osc FM synth engine with fantastic easy UI), Ableton Live (sample focused DAW, with VST and routing support). MPC like devices or midi grids like the Ableton Push/APC40 are nice, but they seem to very greatly in velocity/key-push sensitivity. Warning: beware dumping money into more and more instruments assuming you're missing out on sounds - it will never end and often too many choices will never let you focus.