Whats the best Audio Interface to use with Logic and MacBook Pro?

Question

I currently own a Line 6 Pod X3 Pro and although its much better than the Eleven Rack (what an overrated piece of junk in a pretty candy coating, more fizz than club soda and still no balls. Some say it just needs a cheap overdrive box to do the trick. I say how can it possibly be worth a Grand if a cheap added piece of equiptment is needed to improve the sound?) It's still not exactly top notch, to say the least.
     I was really considering the SSL (Solid State Logic) XLogic Alpha-Link MADI, a 24 channel high-end AD/DA Converter. It's somewhat pricy, but you can't possibly find a bigger bang for your buck, however I don't really need that many channels. I'm really going for quality over quantity, but I'll pay for the extra inputs if there's no way around getting top of the line otherwise.

Answer 1

Thanks but I already figured it out, or rather B&H did for me. Firstly, to use the SSL with a DAW you'll need to use the Extreme "PCIe card" which neither notebooks or iMacs accomodate. So unless I want to dish out an additional $1,500 for an RME laptop interface (with built in PCIe card) for this interface i'm shoot out of luck, boo! I was really looking foreward to that set up.
    However, to answer my own question (and save a couple hundred bucks) you simply can't beat Apogee's Ensemble, which is built specifically for Mac. Much simpler - no drivers needed, and I actually understand the specs, 16 channels, and 4 of which even have transparent mic preamps. And its only $200 more than the Rosetta (only 2 channels, and nothing but converters - no preamps).
     The main thing I also wanted was to have as least components as possible going into Logic. I already passed my "gear collecting phase," and the more I added the worst it sounded. I was already forewarned of such results, but when your a newbe like I was I guess you have to find out for yourself. So I'll be getting rid of my Line 6 POD X3 Pro; dbx 1066; Presonus Eureka; Aphex 204; and 8821 Sonic Maximizer ( I already got rid of the 11-Rack, good riddence!
   And replacing them all with an Avalon 737 - anything that sounds that good over YouTube has gotta kill - and the guy from B&H said "thats one SWEET set up!" Of course every body knows Apogee and Avalon are no brainers (if you've got the patience to save up for the good stuff) but I'm more of a best kept secret type of guy (or try to be) however this time I don't mind conforming. Taylored quality and simplicity...Perfect...what more can a guy (or girl) ask for (now if I can only get my hands on some Vienna Symphonic Orchestra Software to pick up the slack where Logic is lacking.)
    I just want to stop with the learning every new gadget nonesense already and get back to being a musician again.
PS How do I switch this topic to the Logic forum? I'm sure it will be more helpful to others there.