Getting up to date with PCI & PCI-e in the conversion stakes

[fivedoor]

I recently narrowed my convertor choice down to rosetta or aurora ( leaning towards lynx - if only cos it's a bit cheaper). I'm Running logic on mac -

From my research i figure these are the options & drawbacks getting connected to mac as things stand:

1 firewire (with expansion card) - latency/expansion issues

2 Lynx AES16e - forever delayed, cannot rely on it coming out asap

3 Symphony card /Symphony mobile card - expensive - but it works ok!?

4 RME HDSPe - not sure how would this compare?-i gather it's still not out yet

5 Alternatively I have an older power mac G4 to fall back on & set up a reliable tried tested PCI chain - but PCIe seems to be where the future is at!?

6 anything i missed?

I'm only really wanting 8 channels simultanious recording input & I don't tend to use mammoth amounts of plugins when recording -still for the money/latency/expansion I'm a bit reticent about firewire.

Also I'm still a bit hazy on the advantages of PCI-e vs PCI (other than being able to run more plugins on recording?) & how long term benefits play against simply having a happy functioning system asap. i'd prefer to be running on mac pro for convenience & portability.

The irony is I was all set to get an echo audiofire8 about a week or so ago - then thought i'd bite the bullet & invest in a set up i'd never have to be hankering to upgrade. Pay the significant extra now for headache free quality conversion. I now feel like i'm entering a whole new world of pain!! i just wanna get on with making some music! but for the cash i'd like to make a choice i'm not gonna regret.

Anyway be good to hear from anyone who has been at this crossroads & taken the leap - or has any wisdom to impart!