Recommendations for best interface under $1000

Hello all,



I am looking to upgrade my little home studio and I could use some advice.



My current audio interface is my Eleven Rack, running Pro Tools 10.3.9 on a Windows 7 Professional PC. Up until now, I have solely used plugins or FX from the Eleven Rack for my recording sessions. What I am wanting is a hybrid DAW setup where I can also incorporate other outboard gear to use (compressors, mic pre's, pitch shifters, etc). And with the limited connectivity of the Eleven Rack, I need another audio interface.



Since I am using a PC, thunderbolt connectivity is out. So I am looking at a firewire or usb setup. I set a budget of about $1000 for this and I am considering the following units:



TC Electronic Studio Konnekt 48

MOTU 828mk3 Hybrid

Focusrite Liquid Saffire 56

Focusrite Saffire Pro 40

Or maybe even the Mackie Onyx 1620i



I am mainly looking to have an interface that will allow me to connect other gear to my DAW, so it doesn't necessarily HAVE to have a bunch of mic pre's built in...and I'm not too concerned about onboard DSP (although these would be a nice bonus). Mainly looking for flexibility and something that will still allow me to use the Eleven Rack also.



Initially here, I think I'm leaning towards the MOTU



I have done some research, and I have heard positive AND negative things on all of those units, so that is why I am looking for some suggestions from anyone with experience with these units, or any other units that may fall in this range?

And yeah, I would love to go with a UAD Apollo, RME, or Apogee unit, but again I am trying to stay in the $1000 ballpark.



Thanks for your time, and I apologize in advance if this topic has been covered here elsewhere before.:D



.