After much debate, I finally broke down and bought Digital Performer 4.5 and Trilogy bass synth for MIDI composing / virtual instruments the other day. Both are quite amazing. However, as many have pointed out, Digidesign doesn't play very nice when it comes to a functional core audio driver for the 002rack and 3rd party software- basically DP is not running so well with my 002rack as the interface.

so here's my question,

I would like to keep the 002rack as a seperate setup for time being because I have several open projects I need to finish up in PT.

I have an nuendo / RME DA/AD converter that is more than capable of doing the trick for a dedicated DP setup. However, it is only ADAT and TDIF in/out, which means I will need a PCI or firewire setup to receive the ADAT signal. What is the CHEAPEST way to get up and running on a g5 (at least 8/8 ADAT in/out) with good quality hardware with this RME box? Or is it not worth the hassle and should I start fresh? I did a search and came up with "cheap" pci card posts (frontier was mentioned as well as Alesis, m-audio and such)...but I'm looking for something quality to go with a possible new g5. Anyone using the lynx cards with DP / g5? I've heard quite a bit of praise about them.

If I choose to stay powerbook, what might my options be?

Thanks, and if there are relevant threads on this topic I haven't found, please point me that way.