Benchmark DAC1 Pre vs. Bel Canto DAC3

So the DAC1 and the DAC1 Pre sound similar enough so that any comparisons between the DAC1 and Bel Canto also applies to the DAC1 Pre?

Does the Bel Canto lack analog inputs? From what I can tell, this seems to be the case (probably to avoid competing with Bel Canto's preamps). If that's the case, that's a bit of an issue for me. I currently have a tube pre-amp that I'm pretty happy with, but I also wanted my DAC to serve as an alternate more detailed preamp. My North Star Cd player lacks digital outputs (probably for a similar reason, i.e. north star producing a transport). Do you guys think it would be possible to find someone to modify the cd player to add digital outputs or the dac to add analogue inputs? Could I do this for a reasonable price or would I be better off buying a cheap transport too? My wallet is hurting as it is...

The Benchmark has analog inputs, but from the little I've managed to read over the past few hours, it seems like the Bel Canto would sound a bit better.

I'm mostly interested in analog inputs in the DAC's so I can have a passive preamp as an alternative to my tube preamp without spending more money. While I'm pretty happy with my Odyssey Candela tube pre, it doesn't sound quite as good for some genres such as classical. I actually found an explanation for how to add a digital out to a cd player: http://www.turboegt.com/Audio/Car%20Audio/Digital%20Outs/digital_outpu-f.htm although I'm not sure how reliable the instructions are because I have little technical knowledge..

As far as a music server goes, I only have one system so I just figured I'd connect my desktop to the DAC via USB. Is there a reason why I'd want a dedicated music server as opposed to a desktop?

Is there a specific program you can recommend for transmitting a digital file to the DAC while bypassing my sound card?

Does windows media player need to be in a particular setting?

Thanks!