Well,if you're a MAC user LOGIC 6 is probably the best way to go.
For Windows platform (amateur terms PC) Cubase SX and Cakewalk are probably the best.
If you're looking for good orchestral samples, Logic comes with built in soft sampler called EXS24. That's all I really use nowadays (used to be AKAI,E-mu, Samplecell...Kurzwell..basically everything I stay away from, ever since I got into soft samplers).
Cubase will also let you run soft samplers and instruments. If you decide to go for Cubase SX - get Kontakt by Native Instruments.
Sorry..
But I'm too hungover from last night (another Xmas party) to give any other suggestions...
Later!
-ED-