in league of sound i would say from my exp and listening from ok > better..
OK >
m-audio/presonus/emu
Motu/Echo
RME
Lynx
Anything with a decent Dac on the end...
benchmark/ssl/apogee etc..
Better >
i would suggest maybe checkout the RME HDSPe AIO gives u a variety of I/O including analog for about what you're wanting to pay..
RME are reasonable top end pro-sumer they're pretty accurate if a little cold and brittle.. normally excellent and solid drivers..
also i would agree in avoiding firewire if poss as it adds an inhernent extra latency..
also a 2nd hand lynx L22 or Lynx Two as a step UP from the RME in terms of openess and clarity.. IME .
get pci-express if u can then you have a degree of future proofing built in to your card
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
i'm still using a pci multiface on my mac i bought about 10 years ago !
Solid !
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
2nd hand Lynx one on pc rig..
Best!