mixing speakers and "timbre matching"

[tone-deef]

Hi -

I want to upgrade my 20 yr old stereo system to surround sound, and I've pored over the audioholics "under $1000" recommendations. Music, not video, is the focus of the upgrade. So a new receiver and CD/DVD player is definitely indicated, and some more speakers. My question is, how do I "timbre match" my old Fisher speakers with with the new eensy-beensy surround sound speakers, or does it even make sense to try to mix and match?

Thanks.

 

[nak45z]

I being wanting to know if acoustic research loudspeakers are that good. i have the phantom series. With the yamaha rx 2500, should i use 8.3's in the back as i have on the front or smaller version/model should be used. I am just getting into home audio, so i would not want to waste money and to find out that i am not buying good speakers. I have been into car audio, but now that i have a house i have been getting into home audio too.

 

[mulester7]

Hi -

I want to upgrade my 20 yr old stereo system to surround sound, and I've pored over the audioholics "under $1000" recommendations. Music, not video, is the focus of the upgrade. So a new receiver and CD/DVD player is definitely indicated, and some more speakers. My question is, how do I "timbre match" my old Fisher speakers with with the new eensy-beensy surround sound speakers, or does it even make sense to try to mix and match?

Thanks.

.....Tone-deef, welcome to Audioholics.com, and I would say if your pocketbook allows you to revamp with all modern stuff, go for it....the Fisher speakers can be moved to the bedroom to support a TV there, or music, or whatever....I also say try to stay timber-matched by brand and models as you choose, if you choose.....

 

[mulester7]

I being wanting to know if acoustic research loudspeakers are that good. i have the phantom series. With the yamaha rx 2500, should i use 8.3's in the back as i have on the front or smaller version/model should be used. I am just getting into home audio, so i would not want to waste money and to find out that i am not buying good speakers. I have been into car audio, but now that i have a house i have been getting into home audio too.

.....Nak45z, welcome to Audioholcs.com, and someone will show up to answer your question sooner than later.....

 

[tbewick]

You should try and get the same speakers for the surrounds and centre. Failing that, try and get the same size of speaker drive units (12-inch, 15-inch etc.). I don't know what SACD/DVD Audio specify for what your system should be like, but Dolby Digital recommends five identical full-range speakers and one subwoofer for low frequency effects.

In regards to timbre matching, you should check to see that all your speakers have similar sounding mid-range and treble. If you don't, the more 'lively' speakers will stand out and become distracting.

 

[nak45z]

The front stage are ar phantom 8.3's and have 8, 5, tweeter, so should the center have 8, 5, tweeter, or did i misunderstand that. I have another set of 8.3's that i want to use for the rear surround but i don't have them connected yet. i have the 6.2 also from AR that are the rear surround. i just upgrade my receiver from yamaha htr 5.1 series to the rx 7.1, so i didn't have cables run for the additional rear speakers. i am planning of running them this weekend.

The yamaha rx receiver has a extra set of output for presence speakers that go behind the front stage speakers, should those be installed or are they not necessary. That is another problem.