Front to ear Timbre matching

[Skav]

Hi, I've been searching the forums for my problem and have found some information but not generally enough opinions on my issue.

I got a Panasonic STH-T15 surround system but want to purchase dipole rear speakers as I have the usual monopole.

The trouble is, I've been told Panasonic do not make dipole speakers because they may not make enough money back on them as they are a company that makes more general products.

So, my second option is to purchase a different set of dipole rears and here's the question: Is it really important to match the front three speakers to the rears?

What are your opinions on this subject?

Shall I just put up with my monopole speakers rather than purchasing a different brand of rears?

Any opinions appreciated.

 

[Buckle-meister]

Is it really important to match the front three speakers to the rears? What are your opinions on this subject?

Welcome to the Forum Skav.

My opinion is that whilst it'd be better to have the surrounds/surround-back speakers matched to the front three than not, it's not 'really important'. Remember that the surrounds/surround-back speakers typically only add effects to a DVD soundtrack.

If your question is also with regard to multi-channel music on the likes of SACD or DVD-A, then I would consider matched rear speakers to be of greater importance. That said, I'd still not consider it critical.

For what it's worth, if you're happy with the speakers you have, I'd just stick with them.

 

[Skav]

Thank you for the reply, Buckle-Meister.

I forgot to add that I listen to concert DVD's just as much as movies and I play my music CD's on my system too to save space on getting a stereo.

I've always found that localizing the rear effects is a problem to me because I would like the rear sound more diffused. It personally distracts me so ideally I would like to go for the dipole design.

 

[Buckle-meister]

...ideally I would like to go for the dipole design.

Sure, give it a bash. If you live in the States or Canada, I gather you can take them back within 30 days or so if for any reason they're not working out.

 

[Skav]

I live in the UK but the same rule applies.

Thanks for all the help!!