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Originally posted by Eric Shaw Thanks for the good tips guys. I'll be taking that into consideration for sure. It's because I don't want to run the risk of getting into the same problem again with an unknown brand. Not assuming USB or FW is always poorly optimized but I feel PCI is more stable overall. The advantages with USB or FW are most significant if you move around a lot IMO, and my studio stays put. Though the ESI card's got that external interface which gives me similar accessibility, which is why liked it's impression. And the reason I don't go uber pro is because I want the same kinda card, same performance, same price, but internal connection. As long as it has full ASIO 2.0 support I'm satisfied with the performance part.

PCI in physical terms is more stable (because you have to open the computer to get it) but as a connection there's really no difference.

I've had my Echo audiofire4 for 6 month now and it has been the most stable piece of hardware I've ever owned. simply flawless. I don't like USB as much as a connection as it generally seems slightly more flakey as a connections (not being recognized occasionally etc.), but still there's literally loads of good USB interfaces out there - I think you just had bad luck in terms of timing as M-audio are not the same as they used to be 10 years ago.

Personally, I'd take my Echo FW device over a ESI PCI any day without hesitation.