Need to add 16 XLR channels to 828mkii...2x8pre possible?

[StickS]

I need to add 16 XLR channels to my system. I am currently running an 828mkii and Cubase4. I need 15 XLR inputs for drums (large kit) and currently I am running into an analog mixer outputting through 8 subgroups into the 828. i would like to remove the "middle man", as it were, and connect directly to the DAW. Is it possible to use two 8pre's connected to the 828? I was thinking of using the optical, but I believe the 828mkii can only connect to one 8pre optically. If that is the case, these are the options I'm am considering:
1. 828mkii and the two 8pre's FW daisy chained to DAW (DAW<FW>828<FW>8pre<FW>8pre)
2. 828 FW to DAW, two 8pre's optically together and FW to DAW. (DAW<FW>828<FW>{8pre<OPT>8pre})
3. 828 with one 8pre optically connect and one 8pre daisy chained. (DAW<FW>{828<OPT>8pre}<FW>8pre)
4. Get the new 896 + an 8pre and be done with it (not really on the table though)

I'm thinking that option 2 would be the best for my purposes, which would put the 8pre's on one CueMIX and the 828 on another. But Cubase should be able to see all three units anyway, right?

[StickS]

...it's like MOTU customer service here

[TheRealRoach]

If I were you I would take the full FW daisy chain option. DAW -> 828 -> 8pre -> 8pre.

You be able to see all three devices in the MOTU control panel this way. You could use ADAT as well, but I think that defeats the purpose of them being FW daisy-chainable in the first place, no?