Mixing different speakers for surround

[lovstromp]

Is it a no-no? I'm in the process of building my setup - almost from scratch. I've decided to do it in stages. Get a pair of speakers and a stereo amp first; as I imagine I'd be listening to music more than utilising multi-channel. My doubt is whether the front and sorround speakers need to be of the same model. How much do you notice if the woofers were of different size? Don't think I'll ever have the space for floorstanders, so bigger speakers are (thankfully for wallet) out of the picture.

Let's take the Q Acoustics 3000's as an example. Would matching the 3010 and 3020 together sound unbalanced compared to a pure 3010 setup? And would bigger bookshelves be easier to integrate with a subwoofer? I've only seen system offerings of the 3010 though. If mixing the two isn't that big an issue I'd gladly prefer the 3020 for the stereo part.

 

[seemorebtts]

Yes should be fine.just as long as you keep it the same make.

 

[lovstromp]

That's good to hear. Thanks.

Enjoy NYE

 

[Benedict_Arnold]

I'd agree that the fronts and centre should be from the same manufacturer, same series even, but I wouldn't agree that it's vital for the surrounds.

Surrounds are mostly for effect, not actually listening to, and using different makes and models shouldn't be an issue. Sound levels, even tone, will be handled by the equalization software built into each receiver, and you can always adjust the settings to suit your own preferences. For example, I usually turn up the centre a dB or three to make voices clearer, and the rear surrounds likewise because I like (as in prefer, not need) to hear them working more.

 

[audiventory]

I'd agree that the fronts and centre should be from the same manufacturer, same series even, but I wouldn't agree that it's vital for the surrounds.

Theoretically, all speakers should be one model family. We don't know exactly that difference between speakers though.

But system {room + speakers] is too complex and, me seems, it is more serious issue than speakers identity. Reflections and re-reflections change the wave picture by "identical pure speakes" significantly.

I think, anyway need electrical adjusting of audio signal coming to speakers (delays and amplitude-frequency response), correcting and diffusing panels, etc.

Of course, we must take into account directional pattern of ears too.

 

[Benedict_Arnold]

I'd agree that the fronts and centre should be from the same manufacturer, same series even, but I wouldn't agree that it's vital for the surrounds.

Theoretically, all speakers should be one model family. We don't know exactly that difference between speakers though.

But system {room + speakers] is too complex and, me seems, it is more serious issue than speakers identity. Reflections and re-reflections change the wave picture by "identical pure speakes" significantly.

I think, anyway need electrical adjusting of audio signal coming to speakers (delays and amplitude-frequency response), correcting and diffusing panels, etc.

Of course, we must take into account directional pattern of ears too.

Don't forget the phase of the moon and sunspot activity!

Honestly, I think some people invest way too much effort into getting the "perfect" surround sound effects in an imperfect environment.

Surround sound speakers are for EFFECT rather than substance, and unless you plan on using the speakers for all-channel stereo or, perhaps, "orchestra" or "music hall" reproduction, the make, size, shape, colour even, of the surround sound speakers really doesn't matter that much.

 

[lovstromp]

Sounds like things are a lot simpler than I'd thought. My only experience in surround is ten years back when I had a Creative 5.1 package I got for my pc. Ended up using it solely for movies. Considering how content I was with the sound for movies, I think I wouldn't rule out getting a small-speaker package again. Music is on headphones for me anyway.

 

[Benedict_Arnold]

It amazes me how easily people fall for the salesman's line that all speakers MUST be the same super-duper high priced ones as the fronts. Remember, he's on a commission or at least subject to appraisal by his sales figures.

And what's to say SpeakerCo's floorstander behemoths have the same tonal qualities as their bookshelf units anyway?