Building an audio PC itx

[brockdragon]

Hello,
Building a small form factor system focusing on quality home audio creation. The case will be dependent on final pcie card height but either way one of numerous old stereo amps will likely be the choice.
Things I've got remaining from previous build.
I7 3770 ivy bridge.
Asrock h77m-itx
Gskill 8x2 16GB 1600
300w sfx pay
corsair h40
Ocz vertex 4 256GB
External drives for backup and storage.
Now my difficulty is not knowing what Sound card to have. Both for true playback and again for enjoying sound.
Main inputs will be Mic and both acoustic and electric guitar music genres from acoustic to metal to synthy beats.
Keep in mind I've only 1 pcie 3 slot and any external device will be internally integrated.
Also as first audio build unsure of monitors or PC speakers or stereo amp +speakers?
Thanks
Brock

 

[jcoultas98]

If you are doing amateur audio creation, there's not really much choice other than the M-audio cards.
http/www.m-audio.com/index.php?do=products.family&ID=PCIinterfaces
I would always recommend using studio monitors for mixing music.

Start witih M&K, they make monitors for some of the largest studios in the world.
http/www.mksoundsystem.com/
Depending on how deep you are planning on going, and spending, look at Crown, QSC, or Pyle (on the budget end) for amps.