9950X

For music production, I highly recommend the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X. It offers excellent multi-core performance, which is crucial for handling multiple tracks and plugins simultaneously. Plus, it's more affordable than some of the Intel counterparts with similar performance.

If budget is not a constraint, consider high-end AMD Ryzen processors (like the Ryzen 9 series) or Intel's Core i9 series. These CPUs offer a high number of cores and threads, which can handle extensive projects with many tracks and plugins.

14900K or 7950X.

If your workflow benefits more from high single-core performance (which many DAWs do), the Intel Core i9-13900K is a fantastic choice. It offers excellent single-threaded performance while still providing ample multi-core capabilities with its 24 cores (8 performance cores and 16 efficiency cores).

This CPU handles large projects and numerous plugins smoothly. Pair it with a good cooling solution, as it can run hot under load. Overall, it's a solid investment for a flexible budget.

Running a Ryzen 9 7950X and it's been fantastic for my production work. The 16 cores handle multiple VSTs and effects chains without breaking a sweat. Yes, it's pricey, but the headroom means I never have to worry about CPU spikes during recording.