I have a 001 that I got recently (breakout box $5 at GC blowout, PCI card $35 off ebay) -- I tried recording with the preamps and it sounded just awful. I didn't try anything else with it.
I have a Presonus Inspire (definitely lower end than the firebox) and I've used it for a few keeper tracks, even though I can't seem to use phantom power any more.
Based on that, I'd say take the firebox.