For the OP’s style of music, A4 / AK could work…
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I’ll always recommend a Peak, because since I’ve really started using it, and with the wave table updates etc last year… It’s really really good
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Have read a lot about MIDI Sync issues as well as manufacturing problems on the Blofeld.
What would be the differences between Peak and Hydra Synth?
The A4 keeps coming back as an option…
With respects to the Blofeld, I personally enjoy programming it (have the desktop version), I actually find the matrix easy, quick & fun to use.
There is definitely menu diving but it didn’t really feel like it to me, I think it’s how everything is laid out & listed on the front. You have 4 knobs to use to adjust parameters, but for example, if you are playing with a filter, 4 knobs doesn’t mean the filter only has 4 parameters to adjust, you press a button to the left of the filter section & use another knob to scroll thru the pages of parameters.
I’ve heard a few people say they don’t enjoy using the matrix, but if you like using the matrix, there are a lot of sound shaping possibilities & it can make a wide variety of sounds.
It would definitely turn into a preset machine if you don’t enjoy the workflow. If using it as a preset machine it comes with 1,000 sounds 
I don’t use its effects. When adding effects, a lot of times it becomes too much for the Blofeld to handle & it starts to glitch or distort. I use other effects with it (it sounds great thru Analog Heat).
I paid $500 new like 3 years ago & still feel it’s worth that price (not worth it if using it as a preset machine tho).
I should add that I haven’t midi synced it, so I can’t comment on that. I just sample myself playing melodies or sample sounds I make.
I also don’t know much about the other synths you listed, just offering my opinion of the Blofeld.
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From what I’ve heard of the Hydra so far, the the Peak can get a lot weightier and gnarlier (it doesn’t have to though, which is an important point) and has a much better sounding filter to my ear, though the Hydra certainly has more options for filter types/configuration. Peak leans more towards an analogue sound by default and once you become familiar with the filter it’s quite distinct and recognisable. It does some nice FM (in an analogue style), but in terms of wavetables, they are of such high resolution you don’t really get the “gritty”/“fizzy” aliasing sound that you might sometimes associate with wavetable synths.
Good intro of its wavetable capabilities and more here:
Disregarding quality issues, the Blofeld is drastically different in terms of UI to the Hydra or the Peak, I couldn’t get on with it at all when I had one.
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turn the effects off & all glitches/artifacts go away.
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I have a Blofeld, no issues here. It’s sounds excellent.
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This is well worded! I second these points.
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That wasn’t my experience. Even in basic noise based patches, it would pop and glitch all over the place with a simple drone note. And although I’m experienced with synthesis and sound design, I just couldn’t get the envelopes / waveshapes to work together in a way that I could accept. It lasted 2 weeks before I moved it on.
I’m really glad you’re having a better of experience though! And I fully recognise that plenty of people seem to like them. It’s all personal preference.
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Yea, definitely, we all have different preferences 
I just wanted to put my experience out there. Mine was all glitchy as well at first, so did some research which is where I found the effects overload it. So I stopped using the effects & it never popped & glitched again. Thought maybe that was the issue with yours. Even so, what’s the point of including effects if you can’t use them 
If your Blofeld was popping & glitching without effects it makes me wonder why… Only thing I can think of (if your unit didn’t have issues), is that more than the effects can overload the Blofeld. Yet, you mention even in basic noise based patches it would pop & glitch. It wouldn’t have lasted more than 2 weeks in my set up either, that sounds unusable.
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The kind of prices you’re looking at with many of the instruments in this thread, you can afford something you love
That’s the key. Don’t be attracted by loads of extra functions, or unlimited sound design possibilities, or aaaanything… The core, inherent sound of the instrument has to be the most important. If you aren’t in love with that, you won’t use it! Beyond that, the second key thing is to make sure the UI suits you and you can learn it well.
For example, in the £400-900 region, I’ve got four machines now that I doubt I’ll ever let go: Moog Sub Phatty, Novation Peak, Vermona DRM and SE Boomstar. For me, they all fit the bill set out above.
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I agree with @esq, the inherent sound of the synth is most important. I think the workflow is important as well, if I don’t feel the workflow I wont use it either.
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We’re always pushing the max with things to make music - whether it’s maxing the cpu or distorting a mixer! 
Great point about the fx for sure. Keep enjoying your 'feld!
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I think Prophet 12 or Pro2 could potentially make the list… both are fantastic and have some good deals used these days. But yea I think if I let Hydrasynth come out and settle a bit make sure there isn’t any unforeseen problems it could be really fantastic and offer a ton of sound design.
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Blofeld makes nice sounds, especially when you add ace FX behind. Btw high-end FX such as Eventide Space could bring you in beautiful places…
My main problem with Blofeld was the multiple screen-switching one needs to tweak a sound. I really hated this !
Peak is lovely, but a bit above your 600 budget I guess. Got mine 900€. But it’s really worth it, insane synth !
Analog 4 mk1 is a real deal these days. Pretty deep for sound design.
Check this album made 100% with A4:
A4 is an analog synth like no other.
And you can use it’s lovely FX on external synths !
That would be my choice. This or the Digitone, depending of the kind of sound you’re dragged towards.
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To all (as I cannot mention more than 10 users at once)
Thanks a lot for your insights.
I am in no rush to buy.
Will wait and see how Hydra Synth does once released.
From what I read, I believe Digitone, Peak and A4 will stay on the list…
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Loving my Digitone, so highly recommend it even though you have the Volca FM. Also, if your looking for keys, that new Argon 8 from Modal could be a pretty cool addition to your setup.
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Both these sound killing if you can find one in budget!
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Another thing worth considering - cheaper than many options here, but sounds great - The Roland SE-02. Studio Electronics involvement created a juicy little analog!
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LIST UPDATE 
Prophet 12, Pro2, Argon 8, Digitone, Peak, A4, Hydra, Roland SE-02…
The search continues…
Thanks to all,
V
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