I think for me the best help would be to know what people are using that works best for them with the least amount of issues for recording audio, soft synths. Mixing down like 20 to 30 tracks with native plugins.
 
I'm more interested in off the shelf systems more then custom built systems.
Brand/model
Hard Drive/s
CPU
Ram
Audio interface
 
Thanks
 

Of course one of the builders who hang out here would be the best.
 
For off the shelf, I've used Sony and HP with success.  Just buy a 7200 rpm harddrive, insert it and you are good to go.  And more RAM.
 
The audio interface - how much money do you see yourself spending and how many tracks do you need to record at once?  That info will usually give you the answer.
 
@

You really should check out Jim Roseberry's PC lineup at StudioCat.
http://www.studiocat.com/open_cart/
 
He builds top end systems that are affordable and designed for DAWS. He is also great is help and support and really cares about his customers.  
 
Rimshot
 

 
Most everything I know about shopping for an interface. 
 
http://www.cactusmusic.ca/Articles/Johns%20Audio%20Interface%20blurb.rtf
 
I recently upgraded my DAW. I first looked at the pre built DAWs which are $1,200- $3,000 price range. I then looked at all the major brands of pre built systems which are actually not a heck of a lot less than the custom built DAW machines if you go with the same specs. Most consumer desktops are minimal specs and AMD processors. So if you think you'll save money Consumer VS Custom built think again. 
 
The only way to save money is to do it yourself like many of us here have done successfully year after year. 
You can build a very nice DAW computer for just under $1,000. You can build an very nice office computer for under $500. It takes time and research but is not that big a deal for the average nerd. 
Another option as example is (if)  there is a computer shop in town and they can build custom and test it out and only charges an extra $150. 
 
 
 
 

Thanks for the advice, I'm starting to see what you all mean about off the shelf.
Maybe it will be fun to build my 1st DAW system. Cant be much different then the graphic systems I've built in the past. I see that a lot of daw builders list their parts, won't be too hard... I hope. :/
 
Thanks! 

 
 
The only hard part is quessing how much torque to apply to the CPU heatsink screws.
 
 
 

Well a few hours later.... Anything I'm missing?
I would still like to know of any off the shelf PCs that people use.
 
I guess this will be the build for now with lots of room to upgrade.
Just under $700.00
MB / CPU Combo w/ Intel Core i5 (Socket 1150)
w/ Core i5 4590 (4 x 3.7GHz CPU - 6MB Cache +1150MHz Graphics) Asus Z97-P
8GB DDR3-1600 Memory. 1 stick.
Windows 8.1
Performance Cooling Package
500GB SATA3 6gb/sec 7200RPM (16MB Cache) Hard Drive
24x DVD+/-RW Drive
400W - Winsis Mid-Tower Case
 
Thanks for the help.

 
Are you going to be adding any PCIe cards in the future ?  You've got 6 slots.  Multiple drives ?
If so, I think your power supply is kind of weak.
Actually, I find it weak anyway, but it'll probably work as your board looks pretty efficient.
 

Not really adding any pci cards at this point. I'm manly concerned with mixing in the box.
I hope this will work. Lots of room to grow and I guess I can swap out the power if I need to.
thanks

You might want to post in the Computer forum as that is the best place for asking about building, The question has been asked a zillion time however so you might just be better off reading all the posts. You'll get a real good idea of what people recommend including few great tips from the DAW builders themselves. When they speak,,, listen.