2 channel amp upgrade to 5.1?

Pwrmx24

anybody know .....
If I get a two channel amp and a surround channel preamp will I be able to add the other channels later via a separate amp or is it best to just get the 5.1 amp now?
I'm thinking about getting the Rotel 1080 for my LSi15's vice the 1095 which is an extra $1,000.
I don't do movies really.

ben62670

I had very good success with an HK running rears, and center speakers set at small, and just attenuated the amped front speakers while movie watching. Then I upgraded to a full amped system. The amped system definitely kicked the semi amped system, but it really depends on how loud you listen to your movies. One thing about having an full amped system is you could set your rears to large. Bass is directional. Also there is a big price difference. Me I would prefer to spend the cash on the 2 channel end of it.

Pwrmx24

Problem is trying to find a rcvr that will run the non-amped center speaker on 4 ohms.
My rears are 8 ohms (right now) and I guess that's OK for a while since they will be run directly from the receiver. If I go w/ a preamp I'll have no choice but to get the 5.1 amp if we want surround. For $1000 in the Rotel line up I'm looking at the 1075 5.1 or the 1080 2 ch from my local dealer.

2 ch: 130W - $700, 200W $1000
5.1: 120W - $1000, 200W $2000

several posts I'v seen here recommend 200W for the Lsi15's but gosh I just don't listen that loud....

I've seen a few posts that say just do it right all at once.....oh boy.

BTW how do you attenuate the mains?

engtaz

It is not about listen to music loud. It's about being about to play the spikes that are in music that draw more current form your amp. A clean 100wpc amp will sound loud but a clean 200wpc amp will sound clearer and cleaner loud.

engtaz

Pwrmx24

I went w/ the 1095. Looking forward to it getting here.