Right with you there Jase - a couple of UAD cards wouldnt go astray
Ive researched it and the poco extensively, and it seems the UAD is much better bang for your bucks (so to speak).
The best purchase I have made lately is my MOTU Ultralite soundcard - but I think you were probably asking about gear that produces sound, rather than just capturing it...
All I can say about the MOTU is that after all the issues Ive experienced with the TI, its nice to have a bit of gear I can rely upon
cheers
Blay