Ultralite MK3 vs. the competition?

[Lunatique]

I'm in the middle of deciding on what audio interface to upgrade to, as I'm sick and tired of the one I've been using (Line 6 Toneport UX2)--it's very unstable even after trying it on a few different computers. I'm now looking for a rock solid performer to replace it, and I have narrowed it down to just a few choices. My requirements are:

-PC compatible, and ideally XP and Vista, both 32-bit and 64-bit as I may use it with both my desktop and laptop.

-Rock solid performance, with no crackles, pops, bursts of noise, audio dropouts, or latency problems.

-Good quality converter. I know in this price range I won't find high-end converters, but I hope at least something that is good.

-Not cost an arm and a leg--I can't afford high-end units like the RME Fireface 400.

-Good preamps. Once again I know at this price range I won't find preamps that can match standalone units, but I hope at least something that is better than the average preamp on cheap mixers and audio interfaces. Lots of gain and clean sound is most important.

-Ideally it'll have onboard DSP so I won't tax the CPU when doing direct monitoring with effects while recording. But if all the other features are excellent I may live with no having onboard DSP, especially that a really good driver will allow me to do direct monitoring in the DAW host software without too much latency or CPU spike.

The interfaces I've narrowed my list down to are (all firewire, since I don't trust USB anymore, and PCI is tied to only one format--either desktop or laptop):

TC Electronic Konnekt 24D - They are still working on the driver for 64-bit, but I keep reading that it's got excellent converters and the preamps are nice too. The DSP effects are also suppose to be high quality. It doesn't seem to have a good reputation in terms of stability though. Also, it doesn't have a separate volume control for the headphones, which is kind of annoying.

Focusrite Saffire Le - The Le version has extra set of inputs, which the original version does not have (and is a deal breaker), but the Le version also does not have onboard DSP. The sound quality is suppose to be high, especially the preamps.

MOTU Ultralite MK3 - Seems to have a good reputation, but more expensive than the others, and doesn't have analog volume control placed after the DA conversion like the TC or Focusrite. Also read that the converters aren't all the great, nor is the preamp--they're just middle of the road.

M-Audio Profie 610 - Too new to know much about it, but appears to have good features, but no onboard DSP.

Next two are solid workhorses with proven record, but nothing great about themin terms of converter or preamps, and no onboard DSP.:
Edirol FA-66

So, please, if anyone here can comment and help me make a decision, I'd be very grateful.
PreSonus Firebox

[dare]

I have tried a few interfaces...

TC - No 64 bit support! - you'll evetually need it! Drivers are fairly good, but sometimes there is silence while playing through WDM driver on the current drivers version... I would pass on this one.

M-Audio - I use Delta66 a lot, it is very very solid in a term of drivers, but for the profire 610 - I just can tell you that it HAS dsp for it's routing needs, but not for the FXs... It is quite routable. 64bit support..

Motu Ultralite MK3 - It is very good in the terms of hardware, but it's software isn't developed through the end yet. 64bit support, fair routing cappabilities, sound FX, very good converters... When they sort out their driver issues, I think it will be *THE BEST*. You don't really need a cheap analog controls onboard - better use some real external equipement like mixer or such... Whatever they say about their onboard preamps ( any manufacturer ), I would use them only as a last resource / semipro scenario...
I have to add that MOTU works *FLAWLESSLY* with driver version 3.6.8.1364 on WINDOWS 7 ... No pops, drops...

From the interfaces you wrote above, I would try m-audio - and wait for the proper driver from MOTU. Motu is superior in any way but I am bothered with their current flaws in drivers which will be addressed hopefully in the future.

[VOTIVE]

If you need capabilities of X, don't buy any product that says they'll have it in the future, that's a load of bollocks.

Ultralight Mk3 is solid.