Matching speakers

[dansil]

I recently updated my Home Theater with new equipment (projector, screen, AVR, Blu-ray, power conditioner) and I am looking to replace my surround speakers and subwoofer. I ordered Axiom QS4s for the sides and rear and I was looking at one of the SVS subs (PB12 or PC12), I currently have vintage floor standing Snells; J-IVs and matching center across the front (I really like the way these old speakers sound). Do I need to be concerned that I am not using speakers all from the same brand/family, if my F/C/R match, surround match and independent Sub? I'm thinking if I perform a calibration I should be ok - right?

 

[zieglj01]

The main concern is for the F/C/R speakers to work together, the surrounds
can be from another brand, and then level match > A good independent sub
tends to be the best way to go.

 

[TLS Guy]

I recently updated my Home Theater with new equipment (projector, screen, AVR, Blu-ray, power conditioner) and I am looking to replace my surround speakers and subwoofer. I ordered Axiom QS4s for the sides and rear and I was looking at one of the SVS subs (PB12 or PC12), I currently have vintage floor standing Snells; J-IVs and matching center across the front (I really like the way these old speakers sound). Do I need to be concerned that I am not using speakers all from the same brand/family, if my F/C/R match, surround match and independent Sub? I'm thinking if I perform a calibration I should be ok - right?

If you swap your Snells for Axioms, you will really regret it.

 

[j_garcia]

If you listen to multichannel music a lot, you might notice it. I think you probably should have picked up one pair to listen to first, but it really comes down to how picky you are about the sound, however matching the rears to the fronts is generally less critical; though that really depends on how picky about your sound you are.

Calibration does not make one speaker sound like the others if they have a very different timbre to one another, and I am guessing the Axioms are not likely to sound very similar to the Snells.

 

[zieglj01]

The Snell K.5 speakers, would make some nice surrounds.
Snell Acoustics K.5 MkII Bookshelf Speakers | eBay

I own the K7, and they are really nice.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Snell-K7-Speakers-Audiophile-Quality-Crystal-Clear-Sound-Studio-Monitors-/310429365496?pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item48470834f8

 

[ousooner2]

The main concern is for the F/C/R speakers to work together, the surrounds
can be from another brand, and then level match > A good independent sub
tends to be the best way to go.

this.

If you listen to multichannel music a lot, you might notice it. I think you probably should have picked up one pair to listen to first, but it really comes down to how picky you are about the sound, however matching the rears to the fronts is generally less critical; though that really depends on how picky about your sound you are.

Calibration does not make one speaker sound like the others if they have a very different timbre to one another, and I am guessing the Axioms are not likely to sound very similar to the Snells.

Never thought about the issue of multichannel music. Good point

 

[ousooner2]

*double post

 

[zieglj01]

Never thought about the issue of multichannel music. Good point

For multi-channel, I prefer that the speakers match - for the aim
of a seamless balance sound.

In home theater you can cheat some - however, I prefer that the
front L/C/R channels, are voice matched. If needed or limited, you
can us a different brand/series for the surrounds. However, level
matching will not voice-match your system.

 

[jonnythan]

Hey, look. If you're happy with it there's no point in changing.

Whatever you do, be sure you don't downgrade.

 

[dansil]

I've ordered the Axiom QS4s for surrounds (quadrapole and the cherry finish compliments the decor), SVS PC12-NSD subwoofer (a little different from your typical box sub) and left my L/C/R Snells alone. I like a contemporary, clean look so I have a few furniture / cosmetic upgrades (moving my equipment stack to a nearby closet and ordered some very cool non-traditional home theater seating) and I'm done (for this year). Thank you all for your feedback!