No cheaper, but RME makes a piece, ADI-DD that does this and some other things.
Ted

Can you rent one in only when you need it? Or search Ebay for a second hand one?

:)

Hi Boom chic,

I faced the same problem a couple of years ago with my DA98 and ended up buying the IF-AES unit, which although a little costly does exactly what I wanted. 8 channels out of my 888|24 and into the Tascam in AES format. If you are thinking of upgrading to PT|HD, the new 192 I/O has a TDIF connector built in. Which in theory should connect directly to the 25pin DSub connector on the DA88 without the need for the IF-AES unit.

Greg

What Greh said. Probably a $50 per day rental or so ( If I remeber). Or the Otari UFC. Usually the one every one uses dor format comversions. The Tascam unit is cheaper though.