I probably fried my soundcard... Hooray!!

[IronApe]

So since my crappy Hercules 16/12 is most probably going in the bin, I need a new interface. I've serached the forums for a few days now, but I'm still a bit far from settled on what to get.
I'd rather stay in the 500-800 € budget, and I think my choice would be between a Saffire Pro, a Firestudio and a Motu 828mkII.
What do you guys think or know about these cards' preamps, converters and overall quality/price ratio? Or if there's anything in this price range that might be worth considering. Also, would there be a "noticeable" improvement soundwise if I stretched my pockets (and starved) for a Fireface 800?
Thanks!

P.S. If you know about an interface that also makes coffee, that would be way yay!!!

 

[2012]

Get the Saffire Pro if you need to stay in budget.

But if you can afford to wait until you're able to afford the RME, you should do that, as I think it is a noticeable improvement and the RME software mixer is well designed.

 

[metalizer]

Bummer i was looking forward to those Engl clips.
For soundcard i use a Motu 896 myself and it works fine for me, great converters

 

[IronApe]

Metalizer: Yeah, I was going to make them soon but I had kind of an accident!
I must say though that it wasn't my fault... never let your bass player touch your equipment...!

2012: I actually would wait and save up for the FF800, only problem is my band is in the middle of recording our new album, and it's a bit tough without an interface!

My other guitarist was suggesting the Firepod, which is cheaper (DSS3 suggested it has slightly better converters than the Firestudio), but I think my choice would be down to the Saffire Pro or the Motu...

 

[metalkingdom]

But if you can afford to wait until you're able to afford the RME, you should do that, as I think it is a noticeable improvement and the RME software mixer is well designed.

I wouldn't disagree that the RME is a better unit overall, but not really in terms of sound. The SF Pro sounds really good and the mixer is extremely intuitive...There's really nothing to it. Plus, you can use it standalone. The FF800 is definitely more versatile, though.