Getting my old Thrusty TQS and F22 HOTAS workin in win8

Hi guys,

With the death of XP in the last week or so, I finally pryed my hands off my credit card and bought a new PC.  A spiffy and very powerful Lenovo X510.  One thing however,  I have for many years used my thrustmaster F22 joystick and TQS throttle quadrant (with digital Stickworks eproms).   These suckers are the best ever made in my humble opinion.  I hate to lose them.  However,  they have a 15 pin D connector which I supported previously by keeping around an absolutely antique turtle beach sound card.   

I managed to find on line a 15 pin D connector to USB adaptor, and thought that would be my saving grace.  however, that doesnt seem to work.   For this reason, I am forced to consider going into the modern era finally.    

What are the best quality throttle and stick HOTAS combos out there?   Im not able to spend 500 bucks on a set up, but realize this stuff aint cheap.  However, if they last like my current babies, then its still worth it.  Obviously has to work with a USB connection and win8.1 64.  Preferred sim has been FS2004, but Im also jumping to FSX and maybe P3D in due course.

Any advice?   First is if theres a way to get the current set up working...second is replacement ideas.

Thanks 

eric