started off with cubase sx,which i think is a wicked program. However recently switched to Logic 7 Pro, which is absolutely amazing because you get 32bit plug-ins. Its supports VST plug-ins, TDM plug-ins and AU plug-ins which are absoultely amazing. The sound quality out of logic 7 really does kick ass. i definetly won't be switching sequencers for a long time.

Also use spark xl for recording, (same sort fo thing as soundforge, but its for apple's