Mic Pre through MBOX2 or AudioFire2?

[btreik]

I have an MBOX 2 and am beginning to realize that the preamps in it aren't very great. I am purchasing an ART MPA Gold 2 Channel Mic Pre to get a better sound from my mics. From my [vague] understanding, the Echo AudioFire2 has a MUCH better converter.

Would it make a BIG difference using the AudioFire instead of the MBOX? I understand that I could just run the Mic Pre with a balanced TRS line to the MBOX line in, but why not just upgrade interfaces instead?

There are also other aspects that face me in the AudioFire direction. Firewire is much better than USB (right?), which would be much better for latency. I can also get higher sample rates from it.

Are my assumptions accurate? Is there any other aspects I'm forgetting about or ignorant to?

 

[JimmyS1969]

What tells you the MPA is a good investment? You would be better served (IMO) getting an interface with decent preamps (just about any newer models over $200). I do not believe the Mbox line inputs are actually line inputs, meaning, they still go through the preamp stage, thus tainting any possible improvement with the MPA.

No, Firewire is not better. Neither is better for latency. Latency is a system setup/speed of processor issue, more than anything.

You should describe what it is that you are wanting to record, and give details as to the specs of your system, software, and number of lava lamps in your studio now. Then, we can help a bit more.

 

[btreik]

Thanks and sorry if I sound confused about this. I'm rather new.
What interface would you recommend that's pres would be better than the MPA? I have about a $500 limit.
I record mostly Acoustic music by the way. I run Logic Pro 8 on a Mac Book Pro 15 (2011).
I'm looking to get better vocals through a NT1A. No lava lamps.
And are you sure that the MBOX2 doesn't have a non-amped input? It has XLR, DI and TRS inputs for each channel.