DSP cards are great but with the new G5s and faster PCs, they will eventually phase out. The processing power of these things are phenomenal and with the ability to max your ram at 8 GB, whoa. Do you need Pro Tools? It really depends on who you are working with. I use DP and have gotten as good or better results than Protools projects I have heard. To be honest, all of these programs are pro level daws, but none are all inclusive. As some mentioned, there are so many factors to a good recording other than the software, the main one being the operator. If you have any of the major daws and pro outboard gear and your recordings dont sound professional, maybe you need to take a good long look in the mirror to find your problem. Some of my clients want Protools, some don't, I convince them that what they really want is the best sound