[sounds]

It's not a science, so objectively it could be argued either way.

The "No synth" argument - as you say, a good DAW with the right plugins completely covers the space. No one will ever need a physical synth again.

I guess we could both imagine a "Yes synth" argument for the counter.

[woah]

Computers still can’t handle the style of complex analog FM synthesis that people do with “eurorack” style modular synthesizers. You can approach it with software like https://vcvrack.com, but it will start to stutter out quickly even on a fast computer, and introduces artifacts if you are modulating with high frequencies.

[klodolph]

Well, VCV rack is far from the definitive solution here. There are commercial alternatives like Reaktor which are much more powerful. Reaktor is powerful to a fault, you might say, but if you are running into limitations with VCV Rack then something like Reaktor is the obvious upgrade.

As an analogy, if VCV Rack is like a Unix shell that lets you pipe programs, then Reaktor is like a C compiler.

[scns]

Or Bitwig where you can integrate your physical Eurorack modules or other voltage controlled analog synths and build any synth or effects unit you want from small building blocks with Grid.

Bitwig Sound Design And Hardware Integration Workshop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=125sfyebk1o

FM v PM: TRUE Frequency Modulation (linear) in Bitwig’s Grid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIwwgM3m3uc

Disclaimer: not affiliated

(edit: add disclaimer)