This is an interesting topic... There are several companies making hardware synths today at pretty affordable prices (Korg makes some in the $400-600 range), and anything by Moog (one of the innovators of the synth back in the day) is a good choice in the higher price range ($1,000-2000 or so).

But as far as the current "industry standard," it would seem like you'd have to head to the virtual world. Many of the most popular synthesizers today are software synths; many of them also emulate classic synth sounds from yesteryear (like the Yamaha DX7).

If we're sticking to real, tangible keyboards, here's solid recommendation for you: one of the most popular synths these days, the Nord Lead 2X which will run you about $1,300.
http://www.musicmarketing.ca/products/images2/lead2x_main.jpg

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