Jim is also a very active and helpful community member, so I would also be one to contact him first if I had another build a machine for me.

I was going to put that in around post #5, but each time I navigate away the thread went read and disappeared... Better late than never :D

Bottom line is one won't go wrong using either ADK or Studio Cat. I've used both.

1st - Years ago, after upgrading the motherboard in my DIY rack mount DAW, it wouldn't stay powered up. After exhausting my limited tech ability, I called Scott @ ADK and he actually agreed to take a look. I shipped him the unit and he basically used my components and rebuilt it in a new quiet, properly cooled case. Currently a little long in the tooth, I'm still using it today!

2nd - Because of the great service, when I began lusting for a laptop for remote work (& business stuff), I purchased from ADK again. Rock solid and still in use - 4+ years with only a small issue - originally used with a MOTU 896HD via Firewire card, the card slot became a bit finicky about locking the card in. Never lost a recording but became a concern. Now using a USB interface so no longer a concern.

NOTE: Scott, Chris, & Dave at ADK have always been great to talk to and ready to help in any way!

3rd - For my church I decided to use Jim to build our Sanctuary graphics machine (mostly due to the great comments here and Jim's always kind and insightful input in these forums. Now just after a year, we had our first anomoly when the machine wouldn't power up. I told my media guy who to contact and had a response from Jim very quickly. For whatever reason, an update to the BIOS/UEFI fixed it.

NOTE: He may be a one-man gig but I liked dealing with Jim. He is very professional, helpful, and like others have said quick and willing to help resolve any issues.

Again, can't go wrong with either IMHO

I own a StudioCat system as well...see signature.
 
I would not hesitate to purchase my next dedicated DAW from Jim...and that may be later than sooner, but definitely from Jim!
 
Best build and best customer support.
 
Thanks Jim!

Noel Borthwick [Cakewalk]
Yeah I recently bought a Platinum DAW from Jim. Hmm I wonder where he got that name from :)
His prices were very close or lower to what I would pay to build an equivalent system myself. And he set it up and tweaked it saving all that time. The system rocks and I havent had a problem with it.

Convinced me.  I just ordered the Pro Laptop.  I'm sure I can get a more powerful machine in a desktop configuration, but a desktop is too much to lug around, innit?
 
Guess I better update my sig file...
Regards, Lightninrick

I bought a PC Audio Labs Rok Box a couple of years ago. It's also worthy of your consideration.

Mike Fisher
You will not go wrong with Jim Roseberry at http://www.studiocat.com/

Like he said.  I just spent close to $2000 for a laptop built by Roseberry.  The thing is amazing in just about every way, and is obviously built to last--it's big and heavy by modern laptop standards, but it's not going to fall apart the first time you lean on it (and that big screen is very nice).  Every piece of software I own installed on it without a hitch, which in my experience is unique.  I expect to use this machine for a long time to come.  I'm sure that a desktop will give you even more bang for the buck.

Glad you like the new laptop, Rick!   

Mike Fisher
You will not go wrong with Jim Roseberry at http://www.studiocat.com/

Word.

I'm in Australia so a U.S. built machine is out of the question. However Jim R. also offers consultation and for a flat fee Jim put together a purchase list of components for me to source locally with appropriate web link, so I could build it and then do a full burn in and test routine.
I've got to say Jim's support is great and while I paid $40 for the consult, Jim gave me much more for that pittance than I gave him.
All that and I gained more confidence in PC building and specifying components. Now even though I know more I wouldn't hesitate to consult Jim for further builds or advice. Real pro advice.
Plus Jim's one of us forumites, that too deserves support.

michael diemer
I had an outfit called Magic Micro build me this:
 
Intel Core i7-3770 Ivy Bridge
Gigabyte GA-H77-DS3H,
16GB (2x8GB) PC10600 DDR3 1333 Dual Channel
(2) 1TB Western Digital Blacks, 7200RPM SATA 3
Microsoft Windows 7 Pro 64bit DVD w/SP1
 
It can take 32 GB ram.  Total cost was under 1300.00

Whoah, that site has some pretty low prices. I suspect you'd have to double-check compatibility with their system builder but well worth looking at. How are you liking it?