Thanks for the reply. I am running an 896 on my G5 with LogicPro. I am hoping to add some inputs without going the whole distance of getting another 896 all together. So wanted to see if there are other options...like chaining an 828 or using an optical device like an Alesis AI-3 or any other optical input device (like the berrhinger 8x pre). But I've heard rumors that the 896 doesn't work with the optical input stuff...is that true?
Personally I've never had any outboard gear to use that will test this out so I can't help with you that. But, there is an ADAT in/out that you could use to support an extra 8 channels of 24bit @ 44.1/48kHz audio from another digital source. The only thing you'll have to watch out for is that your 2 units are synched properly, so you'll either have to use the ADAT sync in on the MOTU or use a world clock device.
As far as how well it actually works and if you can use all 8 analog channels and the 8 ADAT channels at the same time, who knows until you try it out.
Maybe you should rent the unit for a week first before you make the purchase to ensure that it works the way you want it too