Help Needed Upgrading to Pre/Power Solution (1 Viewer)

[Asif.I]

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.

 

[Jack Briggs]

Since it appears you're asking for specific amplification advice, here's where you should post. The Basics area is for general discussion at the beginner level, not specific purchasing advice. Thanks.

 

[FeisalK]

first the receiver - I am not sure about the 1602, but the 1603 does not have pre-outs except for the subwoofer; if that's the case you wont be able to use it with any outboard power amp.

There shouldn't be a problem running multiple stereo power amps though

 

[Girish]

Yes you can use two or three amps to drive the five channels. Also consider buying a good receiver to use as a pre/pro. Someone else has to answer the speaker question as I donot know much about missions.

 

[Kevin C Brown]

Agreed. I have used 2 amps for quite some time:

5.1: 2 + 3
6.1: 3 + 3
7.1: first 3 + 4 but now 2 + 5

I would try to match the gain between them though. That way, the actual volume increase of each amp matches when you increase volume with the preamp. (It's a linearity thing.)

 

[Asif.I]

thanks. please forgive my ignorance and explain your notations for 5.1 etc. ie what does 2+3 mean?

i understand why the gain should be matched, but how would i do that?

any thoughts on a suitable pre-amp? thanks

 

[Michael Reuben]

I have combined your two threads asking this question, one of which was started in Receivers and the other in Basics. Please start only one thread per topic. Thanks.

M.

 

[Kevin C Brown]

Asif- for 5.1, I had a 2 channel amp plus a 3 channel amp, etc.

Matching the gain: If you can find specs for both amps, there usually is a gain number of the sort:


This is for an Outlaw amp.

As for a preamp/processor, the 1602 might work, if it has preamp outputs (RCA jacks on the back such that you can use external amps). If you like Rotel, they have a 1068 which is a pretty good deal for the money. Also depends on how much you want to spend too.