TC Powercore vs UAD-1 vs LiquidMix

[Electro]

I am researching the above listed products to allow me to use more plug-ins while mixing with Pro Tools 002.
I am looking for user experience advise. I am aware of the differences in plugs (many of which I already own), and prices.

Has anyone gone through this process and chosen one...or none..or another product all together?

My local Pro Audio dealer suggests buying a new quad core Mac for more power(currently own G5, dual core, 2G- not even 2 yrs old). I hesitate to do that.(Quad-$2600, 8 core $4500..shwew!)

Also,

How is the latency issue handled?

Thanks in advance for any input offered.

[tech1]

The UAD-1 plugins are not natively RTAS, so you will need to use an adapter of some kind to get them to show up. They do provide one with the software, so it's not a huge deal. The powerCore series is currently not Intel-Mac compatible, so hold off on that Mac Pro. I'venever used Liquid Mix, so I can't comment there, but the quality of the other 2 is awesome. I prefer UAD-1, but hey, that's just me.

[Electro]

Thanks for your input SW tech. I'm surprised these options are not more popular with your forum users. I would think that very many of us would be interested in increasing instances of plug-ins in our sessions.

I'll share some research that I did last night.

In reviewing some sessions: 1 of mine that is bogging down my system, one from a producer I highly respect and whose work I admire (CF), and one from Charles Dye's Milar DVD (LE version)

Mine: (using PT LE)
Within 33 tracks I used:
9-EQ's, 3-Compressors, 2-Reverbs, 5-Special FX, 2-Amp simulators (for distortion) Would have used many more of each if I wasn't tapped on power.

CF: (using PT HD)
Within 30 tracks
24-EQ's, 18-Compressors, 2-Reverbs, 2- Special FX

Charles Dye: (using PT LE)
Within 45 tracks
35-EQ's, 28-Compressors, 6-Reverbs, 44-Special FX, 1-Amp Sim.

It became very apparent that the pros rely heavily on EQ's and Compressors (on around 80% of all the tracks in their sessions!!!- Wow!).

This observation makes the Focusrite LiquidMix, with 32 channels of both EQ & Compression (all modeled) seem more important.

However, I saw that my 2 reverbs are what seemed to be draining my system, along with the Amp Sims., and the LiquidMix won't take that load off my system.

The UAD does support TrueVerb, which is a tricky plug to operate (...for me) and the Plate 140 but supports very few instances on one card. That, along with a few EQ's and Compressors and the card would be at full capacity it seems.(i.e. 3 verbs, 3 Compressors, 5 EQ's and it's tapped....very roughly speaking...and I could be wrong here)

Same deal with the TC.

Thoughts??

Thanks!