M-Audio Fast Track is a great and inexpensive solution.  It can take either 1/4 or XLR, so you can go straight in or use the F-1X.  Sounds great, no latency, works with USB, $92 on Amazon.

pclifton2004______I think the Apogee Duet is a good HIGH QUALITY choice . Many critical EARS think that it has  excellent sounding converters , perhaps the best in it's class.  I would prefer the firewire over USB interface as well for your application.

I agree about the Apogee.  Great sound, great ease of use.
 
R.

I had the M-Audio Fast Track which comes with Pro Tools SE, & it sounded amazing just plugging my SCSD straight into the interface with no EQ on the recording. It's a great deal for around $100. I took it back because the interface quit working after I did some Windows updates on Windows 7 & I guess Avid wasn't up on the latest updates. Now I have a Presonus Audiobox USB & Pro Tools 9. I had to get a direct box for the interface because my Alembic was clipping on it with the gain turned all the way down, but it sounds amazing now!

Apogee Jam? Too limited? The dinky size and price point appeal, but will it be the same quality as the other Apogee interfaces?

NO the specs are 24 BIt /44.1 khz on the Jam.  
on the DUET firewire they are  24Bit / 96khz
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/apogee-duet-firewire-interface#used