Importance of front 3 speakers matching?

[pearsall001]

Is it critical that the L/C/R speakers are timbre matched or at least from the same manuf. From what I can gather so far, the opinion seems to be split 50/50.

If you are running a center channel speaker that is different from your L/R speakers, how well does it blend in & is it a not such a big deal. I know that timbre matching is probably the best way to go but it doesn't always work out that way. I'm thinking of trying a different center that would be from a different manuf. Opinions wanted before I give it a shot. If most of the opinions are against it, I just might scratch the idea.

 

[j_garcia]

No, I don't think it is 50/50 - it is likely closer to 100% here in favor of matching the fronts. You already hit the nail on the head - matching is ideal, but if it doesn't match, it depends on how close it does match and how tolerant you are of that match. If you are primarily watching movies it won't be quite as noticeable compared to critical listening to mostly multichannel music. If you get a center that has similar characteristics to your mains, you might get a close enough match that it will be fine. Surrounds are a different story as they tend to be less noticeable (unless you have a really big mismatch).

 

[jostenmeat]

Is it critical that the L/C/R speakers are timbre matched or at least from the same manuf. From what I can gather so far, the opinion seems to be split 50/50.

If you are running a center channel speaker that is different from your L/R speakers, how well does it blend in & is it a not such a big deal. I know that timbre matching is probably the best way to go but it doesn't always work out that way. I'm thinking of trying a different center that would be from a different manuf. Opinions wanted before I give it a shot. If most of the opinions are against it, I just might scratch the idea.

Just curiously, for what precise reasons are you looking to mismatch? I have mismatched front stage, and while sometimes it works perfectly fine for me, there are a few times I'm thinking, "Ohhhh.... boy"...

For me, my front 3 were of the same brand until I separated the fronts as a dedicated stereo. Filled in the mains with the same brand/line as my surrounds. The reason I have not yet bought the matching center is because its hard for me to spend on a horiz MTM, without proper x-over point when considering drivers/layout, when the thing I might want most is dispersion. My present speaker is excellent with dialogue, IMO, but does not have very good dispersion in its present setup. But neither would the matching center. I already have a speaker, and it costs significantly more than the matching unit.

I also need a short center. So it can't be an upright bookshelf either, which would've been nice. (Bypass lobing issues inherent to 99% of center speakers). The shortest that are NOT horiz MTM are KEFs it appears. I was even mildly considering getting a high-end center like a BW, but I figure its wasted my money as 1) my setup is compromised as it is already 2) its still mismatched.

So, I sit in a holding pattern. Still. Will wait till I see the matching center going for a steal on the classifieds for experimentation/comparison. Why wouldn't it be a slam dunk? I don't know. Like I said, my present speaker is very good with dialogue, IMO... but its most likely when I get over it, matching will outweigh advantages in dialogue, perhaps...

 

[mazersteven]

Is it critical that the L/C/R speakers are timbre matched or at least from the same manuf. From what I can gather so far, the opinion seems to be split 50/50.

I would like to see the threads, posts, or links of the other 50% that say it's not critical.

 

[Sheep]

The biggest part of the timber that has to match is the mids and treble. The cabinets will also need to be similar, as they have a huge role in the timber as well.

An optimal situation is have the exact same speaker in each spot, but obviously this doesn't work for everyone.

SheepStar

 

[R-Carpenter]

I have to say that it's not very critical.
It's a bit easier for me because I design build and measure my own.
Most of a high quality HP receivers have build in EQ schematics that in combination with Audisy can
compensate for a Frequency response differences in the individual speakers.
If the situation permits to have same tweeter in Center channel and FR and FL speakers, all the better but the bigger concern is polar response of the center channel, not so much timbral equality to the sides.
Just so you know, the crossover in the center channel and mains are different as well as cabinet construction in most commercial speakers and most likely in the set up that you have currently at home.
So, in conclusion, if you can't match, don't go crazy, you probably will be fine. If there's an apparent problem, try to move the speakers around before you run out and spend more money.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I cast my vote for matching the front 3 speakers.

Ideally, I would get 5 identical speakers. But I think at least the front 3 needs to be the same brand.

 

[markw]

Well, I guess that I'm in the 50% that recommend that at least the front three speakers be a match for HT. The rears are mainly for ambience clues and sound effects. It's not really required these be a match, but it can't hurt.

If you plan on getting into Multi-Channel music (SACD, DVD-Audio) then I would recommend all five match.