Has anyone had experience with the RME ADI-8 DS 8-Channel AD/DA and Format Converter? Is it recommended and is there anything better you can recommend that's in the same price range?

My setup:
Neumann U87 and Neumann M147;
MOTU 896HD;
Commercials for radio and tv.
I read several topics in this forum about pre but I haven't decided yet.
What is the best mic preamp for my service ?

Note: I have done some searching on this site and found a lot of good information, so I've edited this post to get to more specific questions. I want to be able to do rather minimalist analog recording for singer/songwriter types, jazz combos, and maybe even classical quartets and such. Here is what I have:

Hello all. I've been waiting to jump into the world of recording for a while now. I don't have a lot of money, and it will mainly be used for my own purposes (not trying to get paying customers or anything! at least not for a long while) so I won't be buying top of the line equipment. I want to know what you guys think as far as where "budget" gear turns to "crap" gear.

Hey guys, I'm new to this forum, but after reading 3 or 4 recording boards, this one seems to be the most knowledgable :D

if I pick one of these up,is it best to switch out the tubes with others?what other tubes?

I am having clipping troubles with the analog ins. Not that there is bad sound per say, it's just that I know I am not getting the correct headroom from which to work!

Any one have any experience with one of these?
How does it sound/is it usable etc.

36 frame Soundcraft TS-12 console modified by Jim Williams of Audio Upgrades

What do you guys think of it and how much do you think it's worth nowadays?

Anyone out there have experience with the modded c414b by audio upgrades?