How do I know if I need an amp?

Why do you think ditching the capability for surround sound is a good idea? Because I am treating the bookshelfs and sub as mains together?

Ultimately I would like to move towards a home theater setup that will also do stereo. I understand though that the bass on the Mites is limited. I'm starting to feel like getting the Mites was a mistake, because theyre too nice to relegate to surrounds, but not big enough to power stereo listening.

Would something like the Marantz MM8003 provide a bridge to future growth in a home theater setup, but still provide power for the mock "surround" setup I have now?

Bob, Can you explain what you mean by "high passing" the Mites (from an execution stand point). I assume you mean to reduce the frequency levels they play - can this be done via my receiver?

I am gathering you recommend that I hook the sub directly up to the receiver as a "sub", and do the same with the fronts. How do I "high pass" the mites?

I want to also thank everyone for their help. I have a lot of fun with this, there is so much to learn, and this site is a great resource especially for us newbies. Thanks!

What cables are you using ?

If you are using thin ones that came with the receiver, you might want to upgrade the cables first - and then see if you like what you are hearing.

You can get Ixos gamma RCA cables and Ixos gamma speaker cables at accessories4less.com That's what I use, and I like them. They got good reviews on hifi magazines.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Sensational-IXOS-Gamma-1002-Encore-Audio-Cable-2-Meter_W0QQitemZ140337596201QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item20acc5c729&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

Also, you can add this inexpensive power surge protector - improves the sound, and protects your electric gears :

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370249463085&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Your present setup is not bad - should sound pretty good, with the right cables.

I would go with a different amp than the MM8003 - there are better sounding ones out there for the same money.

I just listen to 2 channel set up even for movies - I don't miss other speakers. Since you are trying to improve the sound of music, I would consider getting the adcom preamp and adcom power amp.

They would improve the sound in a noticeable way. Also, the culprit might be your source - amp can't improve the sound a lot if the source is not good.

I would upgrade the wires (if you haven't already), then the CD player (or DVD/CD player), and then add a 2 channel adcom amps to your Marantz SR8200 for the fronts.

You can connect the adcoms to your present Marantz receiver, to power the fronts. That would be better than getting MM8003 - I would consider other brands than Marantz.

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/IXOSXHS606S/IXOS/XHS606-15-AWG-GAMMA-GEOMETRY-SPEAKER-WIRE-SILVER-PER-FOOT/1.html

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/IXOSXHA5162M/IXOS/XHA516-PC-OFC-Gamma-Geometry-Audio-Cable-2m/1.html