Help Needed Upgrading to Pre/Power Solution

B

BabyNSX

Audiophyte
My current config:
Mission FS2-AV Speaker System (5 speakers + a sub)
Denon AVR-1602 Receiver
Pioneer DV-656A DVD Player
Sky+ Satellite Receiver


I need some help technically regarding an (amplifier & maybe more) upgrade.

Here's the background - about 15 years ago when I was a student I had a Pioneer PD-8700 CD player and a Rotel Pre-Power Amp combination which sounded awesome through some B&W floorstanders. I've just rediscovered the Pioneer CD Player in storage at my Mums place (it's the stable platter variety Pioneer had back then) and also managed to get hold a pair of Rotel RB-960BX power amplifiers. Now I was looking to get a 2 channel Rotel pre-amp but then thought - why not upgrade my Home Theatre system instead?

So my first question is: Do I need a five channel power amp OR can I use multiple two channel power amps to drive 5 speakers and a sub? I guess I would need 3 power amps (front pair, rear pair, sub & centre as a pair). Or would I need 5 power amps running in bridged mode to handle a speaker each? I guess thats two questions.

Next, I'll need a pre-amp. I suppose I'm looking for one that also decodes DTS etc so any suggestions for good processor/pre-amps? Or could I use my Denon 1602 Receiver as a pre-amp?

OK, thirdly the speakers. If I do manage to use the Rotel power amps in some sort of way I'm upping the power of my system considerably. The Mission FS2s are nice and discreet but will they be able to handle the increased power? My wife will not allow floorstanders in the living room so that's why the Missions were ideal. Also the Missions are powered by their own amplifier built into the sub so I'm not sure how to rate their power or what to drive them with. Missions claim they can can handle 75 watts (each?) Any suggestions - do I need to change the speakers too?

Thanks in advance for any help. Especially on the multiple power amps question as that is really bugging me.
 
M

MDS

Audioholic Spartan
There will be no problem with using multiple 2 channel amps to power the various speakers as long as the amps are all being fed by the same pre-processor. Just be sure to calibrate each channel to the same output level as you would do if you were using a receiver or a single power amp.
 
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