Emu XL-7 & MP-7 User's Group

I also vote for the Virus.  I love my Virus KC, but I don't have a 
bad word to say about any of the synths you named.  They all sound 
great so, it's largely a matter of personal taste.  

If this is your first analogue modeling synth, you may want to try 
something less expensive first to see if you really like programming 
your own sounds.  Some people find that they are happier using a ROM 
based module (like the XL-7) or a sampler.  Not everyone loves to 
program.  

Of course, even if you find that programming is not for you, the 
Virus C comes with 1024 presets and there are at least that many more 
available, for free, through the Access web site.

Biomech