If you ask me…
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Build myself a great computer, I7, 16GB RAM, ASUS, NVIDIA-graphic, Intel SSD (only C Windows) Windows 7 or 8.
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Buy a great audio card.
Budget alternative:
Focusrite series, Steinberg hardware, E-mu 1616M (E-mu use high-end converters. Best bang for the buck).
High-end alternative:
Antelope Orion 32 (Usb), Lynx aurora 16 with RME PCExpress-card. Prism Sound Orpheus.
3. Buy Cubase 7
- Buy monitor.
Budget alternative:
Event 2030 or ADAM A77X
http://www.eventelectronics.com/2030
High-end alternative:
Event Opal or ADAM S3X-H
http://www.eventelectronics.com/opal
5. Software.
NI Komplete 9, any of Nomad Factory plugins… Voxengo
High-end alternative: NI Komplete 9 Ultimate, all Nomad Factory, All Spectrasonics software’s, Plugin Alliance, SPL, elysian, East West, Heavycity libraries, Sample Logic libraries
6. Mic
Budget alternative:
SM57, SM58 or chines tube mic
High-end alternative:
Only one------> Manley Reference Cardioid Microphone (vocal, guitar etc.)
http://www.manley.com/refcard.php
I use it myself. 
7. Studio treatment. Doesn’t cost much these days.
Focus on base traps, corners and behind you.
(8. Extra! High-end extra: Hardware outboard, compressors etc.)
Manley, elysian, SPL, DBX, Drawmer 1968MK II, Chandler Limited, Daking FET Compressor III, NEVE, ART, SSL etc…
*Note: I don´t recommenced UAD2 or Waves. Waves is very good but there are so many native options that are better these days. Waves is still pricey but still value. UAD2 is just overpriced dongle “chip” software that has lost its true meaning these days. Don’t fall for the hype!
Hope it help!
Best Regards
Freddie