Hey man,
what kinda loot are you tryin to spend? Shoot me a budget and i'll shoot yo some info. The scenarios you've listed range in price quite a bit, so I think you should tell us what your budget is and we can all better tell you from there how those different pieces of gear can fit in and work together based on your needs - at least I can... I mean, you did say, "price is my main issue," so let us know what it is...
All I can tell now is that you need a sampler and a synth and want to get the hottest shit out in some combination. Gimme some mo' info...
diendolo