Pci/firewire Audio Interface Options, Best buy? Options

[Neilsonite]

Hi everyone, this is my first post, so be nice...

I'm buying a dual 867 G4 for midi programming (Reason) and audio recording (probably Logic, when it comes out for OS X), and I need some advice about audio interface options.

I will mostly be recording one or two tracks at a time (guitar/bass/vocals/keys), but will also want to record drums (which obviously requires more tracks). So, I figure I need an interface with 8 or so inputs, 2 of which have good preamps. This way, I can record guitars/vocals whenever I want, and when I want to record drums I can hire a good mixer and mikes and use up to 8 (or so) inputs (without having to pay up front for 8 good preamps, which I will rarely use).

So, I need:
- 8 audio inputs, 2 with good preamps
- 24/96
- MIDI would be good
- OS X support
- Firewire strikes me as cool, but PCI would also be fine
- Not stupidly expensive

Any recommendations? I've been thinking about MOTU 828/896, Presonus Firestation, M-Audio Delta 1010-LT, Edirol DA-2496...
Most of these have some compromises, are there any others I should be looking at? Anyone have any info on new hardware coming as a result of Apple's Emagic acquisition that I should be waiting for?

Thanks!
Neilsonite

P.S. Sorry this post is a bit long...

[Neilsonite]

Thanks! I can't believe I didn't notice that the FIREstation isn't 96k! I know I probably don't NEED 96k, but these things are so expensive I want the option. (Same problem with MOTU 828).

I just checked out the RME Multiface, and it does look very good. I guess I'd need to buy some preamps in order to plug stuff in, which is not necessarily bad, but may cost more than I'd like. Anyone have any advice or real-world experience with the RME Multiface?

BTW, I emailed Echo about the Mona (which has 4 inputs with really good preamps), and asked whether they were planning a version with 8 inputs, and they said it seems likely, but won't promise anything. Sounds good, eh?

Neilsonite