"even though reason 2.0 is X compliant-none of the sequencing programs that you can run in tandem with it are X'able at this time"
Not quite true,Ableton live is osX ready,and runs beatifully with reason.Not exactly an audio/midi production sequencer,but as the name implies,an excellent live sequencing program.
"if you want to do electronic music...dance, techno, trance...whatever...then reason is an amazing way to start"
Entirely true,but not by any means limited to electronica styles only.I have heard some amazing work from Celtic jigs to very professionaly orchestrated classical styles done within Reason.The samplers are very professional,and extremely versatile,and the synths are very solid.Everything is very intuitive.
The only real weakness in Reason is the selection of built in FX,so you may want to consider buying a VST host sequencer as well.
I would in all confidence recomend buying Reason 2,especially as you are interested in producing trance/progressive music.I have been using Reason since it first came out ,for similar purposes ,and honestly I don't know what I would do without it!
As a master sequencer I use Nuendo,which is rock solid with Reason as well as built native for VST instruments and plugins.You may also consider looking into Cubase Sx,also by Steinberg, when it is made ready for Mac.
Go ahead,make the leap!You will not regret it,or I'll eat my own words!
