In a couple of days I will receive my new PC Audio Labs "RokBox," complete with the Ivy Bridge Processor, etc. etc. etc., 16 GB Ram, etc. etc. etc. Fully Loaded! For someone who has gotten "professional" results with a consumer laptop, I am looking forward to finally having enough storage, CPU and RAM to push my music to the next level. I researched PC Audio Labs, ADK Audio, and of course Jim Roseberry's StudioCat/Purrfect Audio computers. All had a lot to offer, and price was at least similar. Roseberry's computers seemed like a better deal, but I know Jim likes to wait until all bugs are out of new processors, so he's not there yet and I needed something sooner than yesterday at this point. ADK was a bit pricier for what you get. As a Sonar user, I knew PC Audio Labs is a good partner, and they are even giving new buyers some bonus software (nothing earth shaking or stuff I already have, but still something of interest here). The order and build process has taken time, but they have been attentive to my needs. Anyone out there have any feedback on their experience with this brand, good your bad? Although I've already decided, I am interested in other users' feedback, and even in trading feedback in the future.



http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dave-Maffris-Music/139909606061779

well i'll bite :-)

first all 3 are good..

""" ADK was a bit pricier for what you get"""""

i would challenge that!

PC Audio Labs used to be a good deal more. (jim a very small hair less)
then PCal changed their whole support and warranty.
now charges for both and then lowered their pricing.

so doing pretty much an exact same system.

tower,( mine already quiet with adding a fee like Pcal) 3930k, 16 gig ram, 500G OS 2x 1tb drives, Plextor dvd, wireless KB/mouse,
1 yr warranty 
LIFETIME SUPPORT <-------
$2465.

Pcal
$2545 1 yr warranty
90 days support <---------
and thats without the quieting charge
oh and FYI we wait until the bugs are out as well.. we are lucky enough to get processors/mobos etc long before release.
 

so ADK was more for what you get? hmmmm
 
1 last difference we give you a full version of Paragon (image and backup software)
Pcal just uses windows which well never mind.. 

Scott, those are some good points. I was seriously considering ADK, and firmly believe I'd be very happy with an ADK system, as I will probably be with any of these "big three" builders. Just going spec for spec I paid $2040 plus shipping, bringing me to $2115. I did not get any extended warranty, just the standard one. And I hear you about the paragon backup, it was surprising that was not included, but it was not a deal-breaker for me. And I did get the 3.5 GHz processor (I didn't do a custom build, I got the "standard-more" package, so the processor is the 3770K. They do include a 2TB sample drive, so I have a total of 2.5 TB, and wired mouse/keyboard which is fine by me I have a spare wireless set if I need it). 

I wish I could have tried all three systems, and really the proof will be there once I receive and use the system. I wasn't trying to diss ADK at all, and you make great points in your post. I've been composing music via computer around `1990, from Windows 3/Cakewalk 3, and although I'm now a part-timer, I've published some stuff successfully with setups that were so "bare-bones" you wonder how it could be done. So at this point, it's like moving from a used Ford Escort to a tricked-out Escalade.
I will update if I have problems/concerns or feel I could have done better with this system. I still hope to get some feedback from PCAL users out there. 

all good man.. but i had to answer the "adk was more for what you get"..
once you make all things equal this is simply not true.

now that i know what exact sytem you got.. duplicating it again on my site
our is $2000 even. (Quad Pro)
with added features benefits support.. and $49 less

now for someone on a budget i can basically duplicate it again using the "Qube"
for $1626 (some minor differences)

i am sure you will enjoy your new system from them.