[linux-audio-user] Re: New hardware choice

[matt at tinysongs.com]

Regarding-
> Hi all,
>
>   I'm plaaning to get a new home PC that could also be used (along with
> software development) for creating and recording music.
>
>   What I'd like to do: sequence MIDI external sounds (synth module(s)),
> add accoustic guitar and flute, record everything to wav and/or Ogg
> Vorbis formats (using original external synths sounds).  Optionally, to
> be also able to choose from a palette of SoundFonts (as I did with
> my current PC, using a SB Live! card and MusE).
>
>   What I'd like to get as PC: an Athlon 64bit based mobo, 2 GB RAM, some
> 250 GB disk storage. graphics card not that important as it's not used
> to play games (why not on-board graphic ?).  Operating system: in the
> end most likely handmade Linux based on LFS (Linux From Scratch) but for
> starters SuSE 9.3 64-bit, or any other that's good enough.
>
>   Now, is there some strong allergic reaction between a Linux Audio
> setup and 64-bit CPUs ?  Are 64-bits platforms recommended for audio
> purposes or is it better to wait a few more years ?  If it's OK, which
> mobo would you recommend ?
>   Which audio/MIDI card would you recommend for such a setup ?
>   Which speakers system could deliver good sound quality.  I presently
> have some Creative I-Trigue speakers and I'd hate doing any quality
> stuff with it implying listening closely over and over again to
> sequences and sounds.  Is it possible to connect regular sound system
> quality speakers to PC sound cards ?  What speaker setup would you
> recommend for driving both the external synth(s) and audio sound card ?
> Is a mixer needed ?
> Thanks a lot for any advice/suggestion/hint !
> Cheers,
> Al

Here's a system I spec'd out for recording in the studio and on location. 
speakers are not included in this list, but I think the best price for money
are the event TR8XL speakers.  Incredible.  They sound comparable to the
Mackies or NS10s.  I've done direct comparisons.  The system is built with
these parameters in mind:
1 - It must be somewhat portable (I play in Manhattan)
2 - It must be Linux friendly for Gentoo, FC3, and Ardour/Jamin/Jack
3 - It must have 24/96 I/O
4 - The audio hardware must have stand alone audio/adat converison functionality
5 - The audio hardware must be cross platform able
6 - The audio hardware must have multiple mic preamps included
7 - It must be a RAID system
8 - The audio hardware must be able to "no latency" harware monitoring
9 - It must be expandable/scaleable

System:
Motherboard	Asus K8N	$82.75	1	$82.75
Processor	AMD 64 3400	$177.95	1	$177.95
Case	2U Rackmount	$99.00	1	$99.00
Power supply	Included in Case	$0.00	1	$0.00
Ram	DDR400 1 GB	$80.00	2	$160.00
Hard disk	Segate 80Gb	$48.00	3	$144.00
CD Burner		$37.00	1	$37.00
Video Card	GeForce FX 5200 256MB	$69.00	1	$69.00

			Subtotal	$769.70

Audio	ST Audio DSP3000	$799.00	1	$799.00
Audio	ST Audio ADC&DAC3000	$679.00	1	$679.00
8 space Rack Case	Musician's Friend House Brand	$89.00	1	$89.00
KVM rack unit			???
Power Supply			???

				$2,336.70

I figure, why F around?

Matt