Unlike a synthesizer that generates sounds algorithmically, a SoundFont is essentially a . The quality of a SoundFont depends on three factors: the fidelity of the source samples, the accuracy of the mapping to MIDI standards, and the sophistication of the player software’s effects processing.
If you are a casual listener or gamer: A high-quality SoundFont or the Roland Cloud VST is likely "better" for you because of the ease of use. You avoid the clutter of cables and the aging components of 30-year-old electronics.
Soundfonts are static collections of audio samples. They play back recorded waves but lack the live synthesis architecture of the original hardware.
It features 64-voice polyphony and 32-part multitimbrality, allowing for much denser and more complex arrangements without the "voice stealing" issues of older hardware. Recommended Ways to Get the Sound
To understand why users insist the SC-88 Pro SoundFont is better, we must look at the competition:
A niche group of emulation enthusiasts realized that the SC-88 Pro sounds too clean for early DOS games. They wanted the grit of the SC-55 but the polyphony of the 88 Pro.