Currently using an emu 1820m. Had the bloated capacitor problems this past week. Thought I was gonna add another audio interface to the display shelf.
 
But, the caps were easy to get and replace and all is happy, for now.
 
I did lots of looking for something small and "cheap" but not stupid. Got to the Focusrite because it had ADAT connections and I use an ADAT connected mixer.   What I was unhapp about with the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 is the limited outputs. Only 1 set of line outs.  2 head phone jacks.  Thought I would need to build a couple of adapters to change the impedance of the signal to use for outboard gear. 
 
Lots of thinking about connecting to the patch panels.
 
But for $250 for a new b-stock focusrite makes wanna get one for the portable computer.  The emu is pci card based and has 20 connected cables.   Got an emu 0404 usb that works ok. BUt the focusrite has 4 mic inputs,...  And for $250 still thinking about it.
 
And Focusrite does use routing software which I must have.
 
windows 8.1.1, using the beta 1616 drivers for the emu.

take a look at the MOTU 828mkIII hybrid. Its mid priced at around $750 and supports Firewire and USB
 
2 mic, 8 line, spdif and Toslink/ADAT (2) inputs.
Mains, 8 line, headphones (2), Spdif, Toslink /ADAT (2) outputs.
 
Where this excels is that it is also an 8 bus standalone mixer with compression and reverb. I have now removed all analog mixers from my environment
 
If you need more inputs you can add any ADAT interface via optical or any of the motu range.. ultralite, 828 or 898. The beauty of this setup is that all inputs and outputs become seamlessly integrated into the cuemix control software so that it appears as one unit.
 
 

Thank you for all the feedback

If your ins/outs are simple, the best uber quality focusrite interface bar none is the Forte... I've owned/tried the latest presonus stuff, had an 1820 and focusrite pro24dsp, and the Forte is several cuts above, state of the art, eats the RME on price point and sounds incredible.  RedNet mic pres and amazing direct instrument pres all for $400...

RME Babyface!

bz2838
RME Babyface!

If you need the extra ins/outs, the "babe" is worth the extra money . I serially considered it in my last upgrade but the focusrite Forte was much more elegant, brand new tech, sounded better to me and was far less money