Xyfor

Depends on the usage scenarios for your machine. A general rule I live by is "Does the machine stop me from doing something I want to/need to do? If you can answer yes to that, upgrade!

If you got the room, I support TheoKAs friend. I have an Akai MPK 88. It is a beast, and works great for everything from pianos(weighted keys) to synths, drums or running tracks. I have also fiddled around with the MPK49, that is also awsome, and I guess more in the space/weight class you are looking for. I like having everything in one keyboard, but if you dont mind more stuff on your stand/desk getting an Lpd8 is a valid option.

As a tech ninja, the new stealth 14 suits me perfectly. Being able to carry that amount of gaming power would be awsome in other ninjarelated activities of mine. Looks like a perfect machine for running VJ and music applications on! btw.. you guys rock! or paper or scissors, witchever suits best...

I would recommend getting a decent Stereo speaker system for the tv. You would get alot more bang for the buck, and a good stereo seperated sound field gives more spacial awareness then most cheap 5.1 systems I have heard. Try getting a second hand amplifier, and some secondhand bookshelf speakers. This is what i would recommend. But in the case if your options are soundbar or 5.1. I would lean against the soundbar. 5.1 is too many components to get for a cheap price without it not sounding cheap.

Hi Gijs! Wiring speakers in parallell is not recommended. This would result in a lower impedance, again leading to your amplifier having troubles driving the speakers and risk burning out. One way to solve this is to connect them in series. This would increase the overall impedance, and is less likely to damage your components. Again, this is not Ideal both due to reduced sound quality and also lower volume. Going out of bounds from the amplifiers impedance range is always a risky option, but going for series would be a good way to start. DISCLAIMER: On your own risk, in the case with amps, and speakers there are very many variables. No way of telling for sure. regarding your amplifier, it is hard to say the exact power output from it. Sometimes manufacturers state the power output during certain conditions such as "100w pr channel @8ohm" and so forth. when it only states 100w hifi amplifier, your guess is as good as mine. Would probably think that the true output would be >100w in most cases. Hope this helps some. -Xyfor

The Zotac ZBOX MAGNUS EN970 would be ideal for my dream setup as a Mediacentre-ish platform. Packing this kind of power in such a small format would enable me to not only try out the obvious uses like(but not limited to): SteamOS steambox, gamestreaming, KODI/Mediacenter, and Portable gaming rig. But also other projects I am currently "working"(dreaming) on like: multi- Projector mapping, realtime 3d-rendering, Softsynth portable workstation, and also home automation( interfacing and developing. All in all a truly great platform that expands how bulky and overall poor-footprint projects can be implemented in a streamlined fashion.