Oh re Swancantremember, I think you might be referring to the SwinSID (which I've also used and it works well).

Yeah pros/cons both ways. I like real SIDs because each one is kinda unique. In a stereo pair that means you can get chorusey kinda sounds which is really neat (when you want it). ArmSID is effective, but clean and precise.

For live shows, ArmSID all the way (to avoid ruining my real ones).

I built it off an on over erhm many moons :) I have 2 6582 (8580's) and 2 ARMSIDs in it right now. I highly recommend the switching 5V regulator mod for it.

If you don't wanna build, used ones come up from time to time.

I haven't tried that to say. If you're wanting to compare options, I use MidiBox SID stuff (SammichSID and MB6582 specifically). These are DIY options, though.

Next to WaveBoy of course they're probably my fav VCOs ;) Certainly fav analog ones. Versatile, small, great tracking. I'd recommend the built vs DIY version as it's a cramped build. The SSI2130 at its core is a monster. I also have an A-110-2 for when I want a discrete VCO (it's often my subosc)

I want to make a version that uses transformers too but those will likely be $$. Has benefits (like ground isolation) though so I'm looking to see what the price might be for those.

And finished! Just needs modules!