[LAU] Graduating from Ubuntu Studio

Hey Guys, I started playing with Ubuntu Studio and Linux about a year ago and I now feel that I am passed the beginner level. I don't have an indepth knowledge of the command-line but I do know my way around, I have a good knowledge of the way things work and I've learned the software fairly well. Lately, Ubuntu Studio has been getting on my nerves with all the bloat. I just want a system for digital signal processing (ie. a computer version of a guitar pedal board) with the lowest latency possible and Ubuntu seems to be taking up alot of space and resources. So, I think I'm at the level where I can benefit from a stream lined, more "user-unfriendly" system. Firstly, do you guys think that a move away from Ubuntu Studio would be beneficial? Secondly, what would you guys suggest as a good alternative? I've heard good things about Studio64 and Debian... Any advantages with these? I'll be installing it on a AMD64 equipped laptop. I want the focus to be on realtime stuff but I might run a few WINE apps and maybe VSTs. Thanks -Chris