focusrite saffire usb 6 or Presonus Firebox?

[slimmpickens]

In continuing my research towards my next purchase, I've turned up another device with seemingly comparable specs. I was originally looking at the Presonus Firebox but another user recommended the Focusrite Saffire usb 6, saying that the preamps were of better quality.
I've not found many reviews on the Focusrite device. The obvious difference seems to be the USB 1.1 interface on the Saffire, rather than the Firewire interface of the Firebox.
Has anyone used either of these? They seem to be in the same price range so I'd like to compare before I buy.
I mostly record acoustic fingerstyle guitar, some vocals. I would certainly do overdubs of bass guitar, keyboards etc. so monitoring is a must.
My computer is a desktop PC, Windoze Vista (ugh!) SP2 32 bit, AMD triple core 2.9 Ghz and 2 Gig RAM. I have Firewire on my motherboard so shouldn't require any additional hardware to use the Firebox.
What's my best option? I use APEX condenser mics usually for the acoustic guitar and my voice, keys would be lined in or possibly MIDI, bass probably direct or through the DI.
Can anyone make a recommendation? Thankx!!

 

[phatracer3]

i have the focusrite saffire 6 usb and its a great little box, the pre amps are clean and quiet and my recordings are good. But i have had a few issues with it. My biggest issue with it right now is that i would be playing music through itunes and then when one song finishes i would go to click on another one and then i wont have any sound coming through at all, i would then have to unplug the usb cable and plug it back it in order for it to work again.

 

[phatracer3]

i think i have narrowed it down to being the usb cable that they give you with the interface, i tried a different cable and now its working like its supposed to

 

[hugocat]

I'm also trying to find people's opinions on the Focusrite: I'm planning on using external preamps, but I've still been advised that it's a good choice at around $200......