[68topls]

I'm a pro-tools user that went from an 003 rack+ to an hd1 setup. Before I answer your question keep in mind my setup is 192 i/o not the 96 i/o you would normally get (or get offered) with an hd1 setup. There is a difference in quality when recording at the same bit / sample rate. Although I would say that the difference varies on what your recording, I can't honestly answer the plug-in question. You can use rtas and TDM plugins but I haven't been using it long enough to answer quality difference. I "*believe*" there is a difference but I can't quantify it. The choice for me to go HD was simple and I'm happy with my setup. Though I will say that I'm already thinking of getting a process card.