[linux-audio-user] what's the best option here? / SosPubs article

Hi: Last nite I read that article in SosPubs about Linux. Most folks in that article seemed to be using the RME HDSP 9652. I have been looking at the MultiFace for awhile, but am starting to feel that the best option would be to sink my money into some of the preamp/ADAT optical out outboard gear that is starting to come on the scene such as the M-Audio Octane, Tango24, or Behringher ADA8000 that feature lots of preamps w/ ADAT optical outputs, and just using the HDSP9652 as a really nice signal router into my Linux box. Would anyone be willing to share with me the pros and cons of this approach? Up until now I have been thinking about sinking all of my money into the MultiFace or a really high-priced audio card with minimal outboard. Now I'm starting to think just the opposite that just using a bare minimum optical card w/ decent converters and putting my money into outboard would maybe be the best way. Any good advice on this, and if so, any other cards I should consider? Thanks very much, gk