Like Matt I also like firewire. I got a Tascam Fireone and Digidesign console as well, but that last one is more expensive.

The Fireone is, if still available, a nice interface. It has 2 combined mic/line ins (XLR/jack) with phantom power on each input as well as a PAD on both, 2 independent headphones outs, and a guitar input, which a switchable input, it switches from the rear line/mic input (B) to the front guitar in. Besides this it has a big jog/shuttle wheel and 14 buttons all assignable to be used for controlling the sequencer functions. The price is also within your budget.

I'll be back...