Hardware Synth vs Keyboard Controller + Software

Both?  That is a hard question and is mostly a matter of preferences.  Me, I mostly use soft synths with a controller.  I have half a dozen softsynths I use on every project.  Besides, my novation Le 49 sits on top of my Fizmo and cover.  I can turn on the novation once the computer is up and play away different synths.  The Fiz - I have to remove the cover and make sure SONAR is set up to record and the Fiz audio is outputed.  I'm lazy.  It takes more time to set up a hardware synth, tune the moog or patch up the arp.  I will, of course, but I need to need them.

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LHousehold


Which do you people think is best for music production? A classic hardware synthesizer like the v-synth GT or Gaia SH-01, or a good keyboard controller coupled up with a good DAW, for example the novation remote sl49 mkii with sonar and dimension pro/rapture/z3ta+. I'd like to know what people prefer. In the past it's always been the hard synth, but nowadays the times are moving on, do you think controllers and comps are the future of synthesis?

You're asking for an apples to oranges comparison in some ways.  You don't need a DAW in the picture if you're comparing to a standalone synth that you use for live performance.  However, if a DAW is definitely part of the picture, you'll likely have fewer hassles with soft synths compared to hooking up external gear for both recording (input) and playback (output).
 
Another big factor is cost.  If you already have the computer and that's not a part of the entry cost, then the first synth requires a MIDI keyboard controller and one piece of software.  Already, that's probably less than a hard synth.  Thereafter, each additional synth is *way* less expensive.
 
But in terms of flipping the power on and starting to play ... using a hard synth is certainly a lot less effort and has fewer things that could go wrong.

gaia 01's are virtual analog, but still digital, they'll softsynths that will give them a run for their money, if you have the cash, go on e-bay try and pick up a jupiter 8 or something, then you'll know the difference, hardware synths at the same time are good to take sounds from and layer them with softsynths sounds, gives them more width (which i think sofsynths lack) the worlds yer oyster there