Mismatched side speakers in 5.1 setup??

[jayswizz]

Hello everyone,
I have a speaker question about my HT setup. My current speakers are from the Paradigm studio line. L/R are 100's, CC-470, Sub PS-1000. (All V.3) I will have a 5.1 setup due to a 5 channel B&K Ref 7250 (200x5). Pre/Pro is a Classe-SSP50. I actually have a couple questions:
1. I want to use dipoles but I due to my listening area one would mounted on a side wall and one would be mounted on the back wall. My couch does back up against the wall so the dipole that is mounted to the back wall would not be all the way behind me but it would point at me in one direction. Could this speaker placement still work?
2. If I go with a standard bookshelf as my sides how important is it to stay with the same brand. The paradigm studio 20's are pricey. Space is an issue and Paradigms are a big speaker. Even thier mini monitor is a big bookshelf. I see other reputable brands have smaller bookshelf speakers(B&W, etc.). Will there be a noticable difference in timbre?
3. Also if using a bookshelf speaker should I go with on that is ported in the front because one of them will be placed in a corner.
Thanks everyone

 

[braminator]

1.Your best bet IMO is to buy a pair of matching stand mounts(bookshelves) for the rear and use them on each side of the couch at ear level.
2.Brand matching is great if you want them to be as close as possible in the sound. But you can always go any brand as the rears are not as important as the front 3.
3. Ports are important if mounting on or near a wall you would want front ports. If no wall is an issue then go with front or rear ports.

 

[jayswizz]

After months of wondering how to complete my 5.1 setup I finally realized that me side speakers cannot be a bookshelf or dipole. I was told by my local dealer that the only way to go is with speakers mounted in my ceiling. Now I do not know which manufacturer to go with. I now do not know what manufacturer to look into. I have read that a some ceiling speakers can be aimed toward the listening position which seems beneficial. Anyone out there have any expierience with a 5.1 setup with ceiling mounted speakers? Which brands should I research?

 

[Sheep]

After months of wondering how to complete my 5.1 setup I finally realized that me side speakers cannot be a bookshelf or dipole. I was told by my local dealer that the only way to go is with speakers mounted in my ceiling. Now I do not know which manufacturer to go with. I now do not know what manufacturer to look into. I have read that a some ceiling speakers can be aimed toward the listening position which seems beneficial. Anyone out there have any expierience with a 5.1 setup with ceiling mounted speakers? Which brands should I research?

Not true. You should use the same speaker you have as your surrounds, just find a way to mount/hold it.

The only way in ceiling would work is you ALL your rears are in ceiling. Otherwise it will sound very different.

SheepStar

 

[jcPanny]

Paradigms

Check out Audiogon.com for a deal on a slightly used pair of Studio 20 v3's for your surrounds. Get some hefty brackets from Omnimount to attach them to the wall or ceiling. You might also be able attach dipoles to the ceiling pointed down on the sides of the listening position. There are some good inceiling speakers, but most don't match the performance level of a good bookshelf speaker like the studios.

 

[braminator]

Your dealer is WRONG. You can run bookshelf/standmounts behind or on the sides of your couch at ear level. If you can fit an endtable on either side of the couch your bookshelves would have no problem unless you bought a pair of larger then normal bookshelves. So use a new dealer when looking for new speakers.