Yamaha • DX-9

The DX-9 was a not-so-special spin off of the aggressively popular DX-7. The DX-9 wasn't a great synth, it had all of the headache problems associated with its DX-7 relative. Difficult programming and limited MIDI implementation to name a few. Still, it is a 4-operator FM synth like the other DX synths and is capable of interesting sounds.
In the mid eighties when the DX-9 appeared it was a welcome cheap alternative to the DX-7. But current DX-7 prices have nearly hurled the DX-9 into obsoletion. Also, unlike the DX-100 which is famous now for its gritty house-bass sound, the DX-9 doesn't have any particular sounds that set it apart from other synths like it.
I don't know the secret, perhaps it is an advantage of the technical limitation. Compared with DX7 the distortion by Feedback value 6 or 7 is earlier, you can get more sharpness in sound.
I bought my DX9 in 1985 for 750€ (=1500DM, DX7 was by 2000€ in that time), 1987 i bought the TX81Z and two years later a used DX7.
I had spent a lot of time with FM-synthesis and trials to rebuild my favorite custom made sounds from DX9 to DX7 or TX81Z. By about 50% it was no problem, but there are some special patches i never got exactly in shape. A reason for still keeping the DX9!
Besides, with FM synthesis at least one can program their own sounds, and not have to be stuck with the same presets, like on so many of today's keyboards. It makes a better option for those who wish to create teir own presets, and isn't as bad as everyone claims.