Thanks troux! :)
I really like the idea of getting the ES-9, having a hybrid system would definitely give me the biggest capability right now, and let me explore what I would really want in the physical setup next.

And thanks for the input Jim!
I definitely see this as a jumping off point for another case some point in the future haha. I know that I enjoy the workflow of modular from playing around in VCV rack so I'm hopefully not expecting to run into dissatisfaction or abandonment. I feel like I have a good idea of what I'm getting, but I definitely agree that I'm lacking in utility modules. I was thinking that a better play might be to replace ears with links or something like that, but I'd defer to your input. Ultimately I'd love to double the size of the rack, and would also love to get the full size of the Mutable Instruments modules, but just trying to keep the budget down a bit for now, and hoping to sell/trade up as I go along. Do you have any recommendations on the best utility modules to start with?