I write songs with my Yamaha PSR-550 keyboard using a sequencer on my computer, but this method obviously isn't very flexible. I've seen the power of software synths, so I'm looking for a general-purpose virtual "sound module."

I use Home Studio 2 by Cakewalk, and it comes with Edirol's Virtual Sound Canvas, which is absolutely horrible. Maybe I could get decent sounds from it if I spent hours tweaking each patch, but I don't have the time or patience for such an endeavor. My Yamaha 'board sounds much better.

Suprisingly, there aren't a lot of options. Sampletank 2 seems to be the best, though I've read good and bad reviews of it. Hyper Canvas by Edirol might be another contender, but I can find absolutely no reviews.

Anyone own these products? Care to help out a softsynth newbie?