[albee1952]

The API is a dual channel mic preamp with digital output(nothing else needed). The Rosetta(someone correct me if this is wrong) is just a converter and would still need preamps. If you stay at 44.1 or 48K, you can also run 8 channels of outboard into the lightpipe input. There are lots of inexpensive choices there, but you could also step up the quality with either a Rosetta800 and outboard preamps, or the Focusrite ISA428 or 828 with the digital output card option. Right now, the API A2D would seem the most cost-effective step up(the only other thing you would need is a good SPDIF cable).