(wow, it seems that skylark even have the OG Digitone Keys)
I own none of those two (Digitone II or Syntakt), but the OG DT and DN. But from what i read, and for me, I definitely got more excited when DNII came out, than when Syntakt came out. so i would say DNII too
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Right on cue 
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Note that even DN MKI can do good VA sounds if you spend time with the FM section. There are even entire sound packs devoted to VA sounds.
That being said, even though I PERSONALLY love the Syntakt as my go-to outboard device (I own the DT/DN MKI as well), you should pick based on what features/sounds are most important to you. For instance, is REAL analog (Syntakt) more important to you than polyphony (DNII)? Are you good with a 64 step sequencer (Syntakt) or do you feel you need for 128 (DNII)? Are the larger array of streamlined machines in a Syntakt more appealing or do you want a smaller set of deeper machines (especially the FM) in the DNII? Not to mention, the FX sections are different on each device. And that’s just for starters.
Before I buy, I typically start with the questions: What do I want to do musically with what I’m about to purchase? What kinds of music am I going to create? What sounds and workflows will help me to reach those goals?
Those questions, if answered in some detail, help inform my decisions and I typically never regret my purchases. If I buy on impulse without thinking it through, I sometimes end up with a paperweight.
Just some history: Years ago, the DN MKI was my gateway drug into the Elektron world. I loved it so much that I almost immediately picked up a DT MKI. I loved both but I also wanted something with real analog to complete the setup. I didn’t want to plunk down the money for an A4, so for a while I kept using my Circuit Mono Station with the Elektrons as my analog filth machine. When Syntakt hit the market, it was an insta-buy for obvious reasons. Now rocking all three for years and I have NEVER regretted it.
Basically, IF the Elektron workflows and sequencer design are for you, then it’s hard to go wrong with any of the takt/tone boxes.
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Love Digitone and now even better and does drums well also good for chords.
Some of us prefer the streamlined UI and simplified experience of the DN1 versus DN2… but I certainly wouldn’t pay more than what the new ones go for.
Have you looked up any new DN1 e25 versions where you are? Some places had them in stock recently in the U.S., and sometimes on sale. That’s what I’m using. Has the white screen of the newer Digi series and a stainless faceplate, plus a few other changes.
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Both new Mk1 DT+DN cost 120% of one new DN2, so either of them ~60% 
Ahh ok. Worth considering then.
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One question about ST which I’m not sure I know the answer for:
It has 12 voices/tracks, with 8 digital + 3 analog drums + 1 analog cymbal. Except for the last one, can each trig in sequence use different machine (within the specific track type)? For instance, if the “primary” sound on track/voice #1 is using SY TONE, can some trigs use SY SWARM, and others use SP TWINSHOT on that same track/voice?
Well that’s interesting, and slightly disappointing.
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they’re known in PL for showing fake availability of products
as well as occasional rude attitude towards customers not recommended
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Not my experience, luckily
Digitone II is a must-have.
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YES, seems to be a sort of standard for all Elektrons!
Syntakt: See APPENDIX A: MACHINES, in particular A.1.1 ASSIGNING A MACHINE TO THE ACTIVE TRACK in its manual.
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Thanks, but this is exactly what I found confusing:
It says about “selecting highlighted machine and assigning it to the track” which seems to imply that specific track = specific machine (of given voice type). It uses singular, instead of plural (“machine”, not “machines”)
I couldn’t find a direct confirmation that I can use DIFFERENT digital machines on DIFFERENT steps/trigs on THE SAME digital track. I can’t see why it wouldn’t work, but I simply haven’t found it
EDIT: ok, this seems to imply it should work after all!
- ST, if you want real analog voices (&FX), prefer many simplified sound engines over having less, but more powerful/complex ones, and don’t need polyphony.
- DN2, if you want the most versatile Elektron synth groovebox with FM, VA (including supersaw), drum synthesis, polyphony and don’t mind diving deeper into sound engines.
- TV, if you want wavetable or granular and lots of FX and routing possibilities.
I had DN1 and found it really limited, and having only FM always required a lot of work even when I just wanted a simple VA patch. IMO DN2 is worth paying extra.
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get analog four mk1 for £400/450 and lose yourself to it on a couch with headphones
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This is stretching it quite a bit, but let’s look at it like: Syntakt is a drum machine with great synth capabilities, DNII is a synth with great drums capabilities.
Syntakt has a more straight to the point sound design workflow. Lots of dedicated machines that works as starting point, with a selection of curated macros (pretty much a single menu page) that are tailored on the specific machine scope.
You can push it very far from there obviously, but you need to get creative using the synth values and modulations.
DigitoneII is a powerhouse FM synth with some added virtual analog/subtractive machines. It’s a joy of a machine, lot more sound design possibilities and proper polyphony/chords sequencing/arpeggiator.
A bit more trickier to find your way around it, especially if you’re not fluent in FM synthesis. Still a blast tho, just a tad more introvert box, it needs more time to dig out its potential.
If I’d have to start from scratch into the Elektronverse I’d pick the ST, as it’s probably the smoothest path thru the workflow learning curve before eventually landing on the bigger boys, without the limitations of the model series.
If you’re willing to take more time and would enjoy a true polyphonic synth more, DNII is a gem today and a future classic tomorrow
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I had a DNII for less than 12 hours. Had to return it because I stretched myself a bit thin. I’m eyeballing all of my non-Elektron kit to see what I would part ways with to make the purchase a bit easier to swallow.
For the 3 hours I noodled with it, I was smitten. Had the DN but sold it just before the DNII was announced. Looking forward to re-acquiring it in a few weeks.
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I wish that Elektron would bring back the keyboard version for us keyboard players.
Totally agree on DN1.
Fun, fast, sounds great. The limited voices make you think differently. It’s an interesting limitation if you’re bored by the limitless daw experience.
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