I've read most of the responses here. I have to agree with some and disagree with others. smile

Coyote Forte is decent enough for an inexpensive GM soundset, but it is not "great", IMO.

TTS-1 is about the same as Coyote, IMO.

Hardware CAN be better in a lot of cases, but it depends on the hardware. I do tend to use a Yamaha MOXF on a lot of sounds, but some of its sounds are not great, either.

I also use Kontakt on some things, and on some things I use some of the cakewalk softsynths; SI Strings, SI bass, Soundcenter, DimPro, Rapture.

Mostly what the answer to this thread boils down to this:
it's about what you can afford for your level of satisfaction with the sounds. if you can afford Kontakt and can hear a difference between it and Coyote, then get it! if you can afford a hardware synth and can hear a difference, get it! if you are satisfied with Coyote and don't want to spend any more money, then don't!

just my 2 cents

Scandalous Grace
Beagle Soundcloud
Beagle Facebook