A new soundcard

[Juho L]

Finally bought the new computer, but it still lacks a soundcard. As I do really few actual recordings in my studio the card doesn't have to be a top notch RME card, so I've focused on the <250? cards. As I've decided to add PowerCore PCI on it later I'm trying to avoid M-Audio cards. After searching I've ended up to two choices: ESI ESP1010 and Marian Marc 4 MIDI.

By buying one of those cards I would get rid of my Midisport 4x4. That Marian Marc 4 seems to be an old (although still sold) card, but good quality one. On the other hand the features of that ESI card tempts me more. I noticed that the ESI card is a sequel for Hoonetech DSP2000 series cards and that got me a bit sceptical because I really haven't heard good things about Hoonetech cards. Only review I found of that ESI card is Sound-on-Sound review which is only for subscribers so it doesn't help me at all.

Anyone around here have any experience on Marian and/or that ESI card? Heard of any compatibility issues with PoCo? Could any of you SOS subscribers PM me highlights of the ESP1010 review?