Interface Help before Search

[T_MIX]

Hey all!
I fully intend on using the search function rather than belabor those to endless repetition of prior suggestions, but I need help narrowing my search.

I have run a small project studio for 10 years.
I have recently built my own studio building including an excellent sounding main room and mixing room. After attempting to mix and record in the new environment I now can hear the deficiencies of my signal chain quite obviously and it is driving me nuts.

I currently have an older P-3 (WIN 98se) running Samplitude and am really happy with the software. I also have (3) Delta 1010s and a pair of Lucid 24 bit converters (in /out) synched to a Lucid Genx-6 Clock.

I have an ADEQUATE front end (various pres and a Topaz Project 8) and I use the Topaz for monitoring / monitor mixes.

Here is my question(s):
I want to improve my audio interface(s) to be of at least the clarity I hear in the Lucids (possibly better if I can afford it). I can live with 16 channels I/O, I find I never use all 24. I record MAINLY acoustic music or Acoustic / Electric Fusion, and the occasional Rock Band.

I can live with 96K (actually I still record everything at 44.1)
I don't mind older technology as long as it is high quality.

I need a form feature that will work with my computer if possible so I dont HAVE to change it, but it would be nice if the interface type would allow me to eventually upgrade to a newer PC .

Obviously Firewire is out (for now), I know nothing of the multichannel AES/EBU format,little of the ADAT.
I have a friend willing to sell me a Nuendo 96/52 relatively cheap which would give me (3) ADAT lightpipes, but I don't know if then that will limit me to not being able to upgrade to a different O/S should my computer blow.
I am actually satisfied with the Win 98 setup, but I may be missing something unknowingly.

Oh.. and budget.. cheaper (under $2000) is best, but probably no more than $4000.
I could use some ideas to narrow the field. I dont want to re-buy again for a long time.
I have considered the Lucid 8 channel units, but because of my limited knowledge of I/O format strengths/ weaknesses I don't know what to look at in other brands.

Thanks in advance to anyone who makes some helpful suggestions.

Tom

[bluestarbass]

Im not sure if ive seen anything in a while that would support windows 98. Maybe an old apogee rig, or a pro tools mix system? Those were at one point the defacto standard, and can be found on ebay for pennies of what they orignally sold for.

[T_MIX]

That is my dilemma.
I guess I have HOPES of finding high quality stuff that will at least allow me 5-6 years of recording before upgrades.
I am fully satisfied with a working recording rig that sounds excellent but may not be "cutting edge". I am not a techno-geek, I am simply a recording musician who loves to hear pristine full depth of sound field recordings.
I know ultimately as my ears improve so will my need to upgrade.

I want to upgrade my existing older (original Alesis monitor 1s) monitors to something like Adam A7s in the following months as well. They sound horrid, but I had learned to mix on them in my old environment, to where the mixes translated well. Now in the new environment... all is lost! I am having to start all over! NOTHING sounds like it used to... but that is a good thing really.

[T_MIX]

bump?