Professional AD Conversion, the next step?!

[EveningSky]

I currently use DP4 on a mac with a 824MKII firewire based interface. It is a very nice system and I am still learning how to use the many features.
I would like to increase the sound quality of my recordings
I have purchased an excellent mic pair and preamp.
Now what is the next step?
Suggestions I have heard:
1. Professional A/D conversion device
2. Higher sampling rate.
3. Better external clock.
4. Different/"better" audio interface than MOTU
5. More expensive MOTU audio interface
6. Different software/hardware system

Help! They all cost $.
Some cost significant $.
Some are more complicated to use and a task to learn.
Can someone help me?

Yours,
EveningSky

 

[SF Audio]

The easy answer is all of them. For the cheapest option, you might try an external clock. A lucid genex6 can be had used for $250 or so. That will help your conversion, but it's subtle really. If you are looking for a more noticeable leap, then you need high end conversion, which will cost you....

When you say "improve" the quality of your recordings, keep in mind that even the best gear won't do much if you don't have good recording techniques. If you think your recordings sound "digital", well, that's because they are, and even expensive converters will still sound that way to some degree. I gave up on digital and went to a tascam MS-16, which I like better, but that's a whole new thread....