[Chaz]

I record no more than two channels at a time- two if it's stereo. This meager requirement allowed me to purchase high quality converters. I got good used prices on a Mytek AD96 and a Benchmark DAC 1. Now I don't have to feel ashamed when guys on Gearslutz claim that inexpensive converters will ruin your audio, whether you can hear it or not. It's a big relief.
Using the same logic, I bought a used GR 1NV.
Now I have basic gear I don't have to worry about upgrading. (Except for the FMR RNP I use for stereo- though it's seems really quite satisfactory).
For someone like me who records one channel at a time, the only argument for more channels is mixing with outboard gear. My position is that it's better to stay digital all the way, and keep the digital math limited. After all, the music most of us prefer the sound of was recorded with the simplest and least equipment. Doesn't it seem that, in the history of recording, as equipment count rose, quality declined? How can you improve on the best jazz recordings of Rudy Van Gelder? Even in the 50's his sound was a benchmark that I don't believe has been surpassed.