m-audio interface vs 002 sound quality

[AdamF]

So I still have my 001 with my aging DP 1.0 G4. I'm about to get a G5 and was on the trade for 002R path, but then it kind of hit me..

I only use my 001 as a 2 in / 2 out to my board, and i'll probably do the same with an 002R. Can I just offload the 001 and get a m-audio interface with the whatever-version-of-protools they are calling it? How will sound quality compare? It seems to have about the same specs as the 002 and I'm coming/going from a mackie board.

Also, if you switch "versions", how does that effect plugins? Will my GRM Tools, McDSP and Waves just work or do you have to reinstall and all that jazz? I have no problem just uninstalling my 6.4 im running now for the current PT MP, as long as its the same apples and everything works as well. Anyone have any experience yet in a comparison?

[AdamF]

?? bump

[silverlode]

i don't know. my thinking is, can they really be that much worse than the 001 I have? That's not to say the 001 sounds bad - it's good enough for my use.