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]

Hey everyone, thanks for your replies! I'm now thinking my best choices are the 828, the FIREstation, or the Delta 1010-LT - decisions, decisions...

As far as I can see, the advantages of the FIREstation and Delta 1010-LT are 96k and MIDI, while the advantage of the 828 and 1010-LT is current OS X support. (BTW, I emailed Presonus a couple of days ago and they said the FIREstation would support OS X as soon as Jaguar comes out. Well, given that Jaguar is now available, I guess this means any day now???)

The EZBus sounds cool, but seems to have only four separate outputs to the computer, and I want more separate tracks in the computer for mixing drums and adding effects (ie kick, snare, hats, toms, cymbals, overhead, whatever)...

So, I'm leaning toward the FIREstation, although the Delta 1010-LT sounds good too... Am I right that the FIREstation will be better quality? Which of these two seems better to you guys? Does anyone have any other suggestions for interfaces I should consider?

Thanks again,
Neilsonite