Mackie Onyx 400F - nice step up from Firebox?

[barbital]

I've heard some good things about the ONYX 400F but I'm still wondering if anyone has heard it or compared it with a Presonus Firebox?

I've been told the preamps on the 400F are better than the Rane MS1-b (which is a really nice preamp) and practically all of the budget preamps, and many users have said they are extremely transparent preamps (straight wire with gain) but I'd like to hear from someone in here. I've done some searching on the forums but I haven't really read anything that would make me believe this is a decent upgrade from a Presonus Firebox. I've heard by rumour that the 400F is better than the MOTU interfaces, especially in the preamp and analog section and that the converters are at least as good or better as well.

I wanted to know if the overall sound quality of the 400F would justify upgrading from a Presonus Firebox? I was considering just using the Firebox and buying a good preamp but I think having better converters as well as decent preamps would be even better. I value having good preamps, but if I can get a seriously good interface with great preamps included then that is a definate bonus. I was considering the Metric Halo ULN2 but alas it only works with Macs!

So I'd rather just upgrade to a higher quality interface with decent preamps as part of the package.

Any comments would be appreciated,

Thanks
Ben

[Nosound]

Go over to Mackie's forum I bet you'll find the info. you need. I love the 800R