[LAT] amd64: kernels? base system?

Hi, I want a system purely for audio production on my amd64. Mainly latest ardour for audio, plus stuff for midi sequencing, effects, sound editing etc. Visiting internet cafe to download source code for this stuff. I've read about patching 2.6 kernels but had not realised it was required. Is 2.6.27.7 still flakey for realtime, is there a patch for it? Any recommendations for kernel + patch for amd64? I'm using a coverdisc of debian lenny as a minimal base system + xorg + fluxbox (can't stomache gnome dependancies), am wondering if maybe a better choice might be had, regarding development libraries included in an ISO which would satisfy dependancies for building the s/w most important (like ardour2.7, etc etc)? Cheers, James.