Thanks, Arny. I'm currently driving the system (in two zones) with an
Onkyo surround receiver, and it does the trick. Perhaps another way
of stating the question is that, since I'm going to need to buy
something new to get more power, whether the preamp/amp approach will
get me better quality sound (no complaints about the sound now,
incidentally), and also whether this particular type of preamp/amp
approach will work.

PS. I hope that it's clear that one reason that I'm asking the
question is a basic lack of understanding of how certain components
work together. If someone can point me to a primer on how to
configure a high-end system, I'd be grateful. Frankly, even though
the word "preamp" is used in describing it, I don't even know whether
an Onkyo 301 Dolby Digital Decoder works with an amp in the way that
an otherwise "ordinary" preamp works. I am truly a naive consumer.

"Arny Krueger" wrote in message ...
"John P. Wilkin" wrote in message
om
I'd like to get a system that will drive four zones of speakers (Bang
& Olufson, and Polk). My sole input is a server with a Xitel device
that sends sound to a TOSLINK cable. I think that I need roughly
100w/ch, and of course I need an optical input. I'd like to keep it
simple, and so have felt that a home theater system is a bit of
overkill.

Is something like an Onkyo 301 Dolby Digital Decoder, or a Dolby
Digital Preamp (e.g., Denon DAP-5500 or B&K Reference 20) in
conjuction with a power amp a reasonable approach?

Should I consider an integrated amp (instead? as a secondary
alternative?)?

Should I just chuck it in and get a home theater system?

Thanks! I really know nothing about amplification systems, but love
my music.

Surround receivers have digital inputs, and volume controls, even the
inexpensive ones. They also have 100 wpc, more or less. Does this suggest a
plan?