Interface + Monitors

[chipee]

I would like to get an interface and studio monitors. I have a MAC with 2Ghz processor and 10.5 OSX. I'd like to be able to use the monitors for applications other than the recording thing.

Is it possible to have monitoring with just an interface that works like hardware monitoring?

I won't need more than 6 - 8 channels, probably ever.

Low end of budget would be 500, high end would be 800 for this gear.

 

[J-Lane]

I'm not up on the best interfaces to use but as far as monitors go I would recommend KRK RP5's or RP6's. They are a very nice sounding monitor for a good price. You are looking at about $300 for a pair of the RP5's.

 

[ido1957]

Monitors are designed for flat response (mostly) so they might not have the "hype" that some home stereo speakers have.
Apple uses firewire?

 

[chipee]

Yes, firewire. That's fine about the monitor speakers.

 

[chipee]

So here's a list of interfaces I've "narrowed it down to"...
From M Audio: Profire 610 or 2626
From Focusrite: Saffire 14 or 24 or 24 dsp
From MOTU: Ultralight mk3 or 16x12 firewire
From Presonus: Firestudio 10x6 or Firestudio project or Firepod
Anyone care to chime in on preamps, monitoring, software inclusion/compatibility, service, i/o flexibility, drivers... considering my machine?