Upgrading 5.1 to 7.1 -- need some help.

[aftcomet]

Hey all. I'm a little lost so I'd really appreciate some guidance. I currently have an Infinity Primus 5.1 package.

2 x P142 (Bookshelf)
2 x P252 (Tower)
1 x PS-28 (Sub)
1 x PC250 (Center)

It's all connected to a Pioneer VSX-820-K receiver. The receiver supports 7.1 but the SB channels are pre-out so I'd have to use an external amplifier.

I'm considering this amp to do the job:

AudioSource AMP-100 2-Channel Bridgeable Stereo Power Amplifier: Amazon.ca: Electronics

Would it be enough? What do you guys think of that amp? It's only 50W while the Pioneer is 80-110W. Would that cause a mismatch or something? Also, to be honest, I'm a little paranoid now because I've read it in the reviews that it caught on fire for a few people!


Now I'm thinking of adding a pair of JBL LOFT 30's as the Surround Back Right and SB Left. Will that cause a problem because they're not the same as the P142's at the Right and Left? Is it going to make it sound awful?


And lastly, how would the volume with the amp work. Will I have to adjust the amp each time I change the volume on the Pioneer?

 

[Adam]

Welcome to the forum!

Regarding catching on fire...I can't address that. Certainly take that into consideration, though. I can answer some of your questions, though:

- Surround back channels won't tend to be as loud as your other speakers, so having an amp with a lower rating isn't a big deal. Also, most of the time, you are probably using less than 1 W of power. Yep. Probably in the hundredths of a Watt. So, my guess is that 50W/channel on your surround back speakers will be plenty.

- The Pioneer receiver will take care of the volume. You'll just set the external amp volume (a lot of amps don't even have a volume knob) and leave it.

- The MCACC system in the Pioneer may do a really good job of getting the JBLs to blend in with your system, but I honestly just don't know. Can you buy them and return them if you don't like them?