After a few frustrating days, it seems that my EMU 1820M s/c has died. It came on slowly, brief pauses in the sound output, graduating to dropouts and left channel static, then to become complete static.

Our own Mac (also a moderator on: http://www.productionforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=10979) provided great help. On his nudging and suggestion, I removed and replaced the computer's power supply unit (PSU), which ruled out the PSU as the problem. Looking into the breakout box (Audiodock is EMU's term) I discovered two capacitors that have the tell-tale bulge on the end (which indicates imminent or actual failure).
http://www.productionforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=10846

Since a replacement unit likely costs more than my card is worth (and I can't actually get the exact replacement), and my location rules out easy access to electronics repair shops, I've concluded that a new unit is in order.

One suggestion on that website was: http://www.focusrite.com/products/firewire_interfaces/saffire_pro_24_dsp/

It's probably pricey, but definitely looks like it would be in the same category as my EMU (I'm a bit gun-shy of Creative Lab products - my first soundcard was a Creative Extigy, and external USB unit that had buggy software - is this common with them?).

Does anyone have hands on experience or knowledge with this Focusrite model?

Glenn