For starters check out the following kit:
Doepfer Musikelektronik GMBH:
http://www.doepfer.de/home.htm
Access Virus range:
http://www.access-music.de/
Also, try to hunt down a
Yamaha DX100 for some vintage detroit sounds (as used by Derrick May, Juan Atkins, etc...)
or the classic
Kurzweil K2000 synth/rack unit (Carl Craig, Laurent Garnier, Depepche Mode, etc...)!
plus throw in some Drum Machines - you can never have too many drums...
But most important is a good Mixing Desk - both analogue and digital have their pro's 'n' con's, it's just a matter of choice really...
As you've guessed I'm a hardware fan, though I do enjoy using some software...
Best advice is to keep your set-up simple and learn how to use/abuse what you've got
*too many toys can be a major distraction*
just try to focus on understanding the source of the sounds you're looking for and remember,
Keep it mnml...
MURF