I was just curious. Does anyone here mix a little in regular computer monitors before going on to refine in studio monitors?

So I recently posted a thread asking why my M-Audio FW 410 wasn't working.

After countless hours of research and being on the phone with 25 different tech supports I have found out that my TI IEEE 1394 Controller shares an IRQ with about 4-5 other things.

I have a computer with on-board audio. Line out is pretty good quality.

I would like to have a really good pair of speakers placed near LCD monitor.

Should I go for active monitors or should I go for an integrated amp +
speakers?

Ok... I had to sell my mac pro g5 due to... anyway i don't have it anymore.
I want to build a powerfull PC running Pro Tools with M-audio interface.
Should I get triple core or quad core CPU? Intel or AMD? How much RAM?

I am relatively new to audio recording and am trying to record vinyl records to my computer (a Mac).

Is there an inexpensive way that I can send an optical output from my 01V into my PC? Maybe a USB interface or a PCI card? I would look at the soundblaster x-fi's because they have optical in/out, but I do not have PCI express since my computer is a few years old.

Hey guys,

After months of wrestling with toontrack superior 2 and Cubase ive decided to give in and finally buy a new computer. Could someone please tell me what kind of reasonally priced computer I should get that kind handle just that, A cpu eating vst like superior 2 and running bunch of vsts on different tracks? Specs that is

From your recommendations, these are the options I narrowed it down to, but I don't understand the differences from here.

i have been trying to make demos for my band using garageband and the mic input on my MacBook. I am pleased with the sound of my acoustic electric guitar and my Yamaha digital piano plugged into the input. I can even hear it directly.