MOTU 8pre and external preamps

[superbeatballer]

So I'm starting to fill up an API lunchbox with some decent pres. What I'm wondering is if sending the line outputs of these pres to the trs portion of the combo jacks on my 8pre is defeating the purpose. Bear in mind there is gain provided to the line inputs, but I won't be dialing any of it in.....simply passing signal through it.

I could buy some like the Alesis AI-3 and use the 8pre's ADAT input for outboard pres, but I'd rather not spend the dough if it isn't totally necessary.

I'm pissed that I didn't think this through fully before plunging into the 8pre.

Any thoughts?