Ok, here's the thing: I just tried to record a project using my current setup and got exasperated at the clicks and pops coming through my Edirol UA-5 for the last time. I'm done with USB interfaces and am looking to step up to firewire, and also looking to give myself the ability to multitrack up to at least 8 simultaneous inputs -- I've been mixing everything down real-time to stereo L+R to record into the computer, and although I've gotten pretty good at 'getting it right the first time' I'd rather allow myself the luxury of being able to tweak dynamics individually after the fact.

I've done some research and the following packages look to be my best choices given the information I've gathered:

The MOTU 828mkII comes with AudioDesk but only has 2 XLR pre's which means I'd have to get a better board (I've already resigned myself to this anyway; right now I'm using two cheapo small-ish analog boards which give me a total of 9 pre's which is better than nothing, but I'd rather just have one board that does it all)

The Digi 002 Rack was the one I was leaning toward for a long time -- it comes with ProTools LE and the whole Digidesign reputation for being the one all the pro's use. But: is that enough to justify the higher price? It only comes with 4 pre's and 8 total analog inserts, and it seems to me the MOTU really has more features for less money; i.e. the Digi's higher price tag isn't necessarily worth it. Is ProTools really that much better?

The PreSonus I honestly don't know much about. Anyone out there care to enlighten me?

The Tascam fw1884: This looks like a catch-all all-in-one DAW. 8 XLR pre's, motorized control surface, FireWire interface, etc. Doesn't come with any software (just templates for other DAW programs) and I've learned to shy away from all-in-one anything, because if one component goes south you have to replace the whole thing. Also, Tascam sort of has a less-than-sterling reputation for quality compared to the other brands. So the pros on this one are that I wouldn't need to buy a board, or a control surface or anything, but the cons are that I would need to buy software, and if I don't like any of the components I'm stuck with them because they're part of the unit.

So that's my dilemma - what do you think will get me the most bang for my buck in my project studio? Also: I'm not made of money, so cost is an issue, but so is quality. If I save 200 or 300 dollars but end up having a piece of crap to show for it (like what happened with the Edirol UA-5 in the first place) then what good is it?

Thanks in advance for all your help!!!

Pete