Thanks for that. I had a suspicion it was a bit of a minefield. I guess if I can get a soundcard and software synth that gives as good results as a hardware synth there's no real point in getting an additional keyboard. The Clavinova I have is perfect for actually playing on - it's just the range of sounds I need, eg some professional sounding strings / bass / drums / effects etc. My pc is top of the line Dell so there's no problem with what the pc can handle. I did see however that the new Yamaha S90ES looks like the kind of thing I'd love, all the top end effects of a synth plus a great piano sound. But you think I can get all that through the pc with new hardware and software? I'll continue with the quest!
Cheers.

ps meant to say I have the latest Cubase and Sonic so the actual editing is a breeze, it's just the quality and range of professional sounds I'm after.

[This message has been edited by BigMrC (edited 08-22-2005).]