So it's a matter of choosing the smart way which cpu and platform satisfies your needs (and will keep doing so for the future, as it is your sweet earned money heheh) in the box (both i3 and ryzen3 tested and verified by yours truly). Because even a modern i3/Ryzen3 can run adequately a full blown 30-40 ch mix with plugs etc. Personally i think pure cpu horsepower is somewhat overrated lately. I'm still considering the smaller (1900x/8 ) of the Threadripper bunch as it gives access to AMD's hi-end platform with 64 pci lanes and 128gb ram capability, not to mention it leaves an upgrade path open for 1950x with 16 cores. 8700k for 400 and 2 extra cores might be a better choice. Going for around 300 now is a good choice imho.
