Jay i still say its not really about the equiptment but the user
som ppl have the latest gear and cant even make dope beats
and some use xtinct equip and make beats no can mess with
so try out everything and see what works for you
i seen countless documentaries of big name producers who are using stock old mpc's and keboards and still rock outstanding beats
im a fruity man to the death and with the lifetime updates the price
is not too shabby.
I run a 3Ghz P4 with 2G of Ram, Phase22 Soundcard
Fruity 8XXl, Cooledit to chop, Kontact it I need to timestretch, Cubase Se for Sequencing
Some free Vsti, n Plugs
Samson MDR6 6ch Mixer, Rode Nt1 Mic, Evolution MK44II Midi Controller,
Mission monitor Speakers
and that for me gets the job done...