Rear Speakers?

[Albert]

For listening to music CDs (no video), should I have rear surround speakers? Will they enhance the experience, or are they unnecessary?

 

[gregz]

Entirely a personal taste issue: Do you want to feel like you're in the front row of a performance, or up on stage planted amonst the band members?

To me, Pink Floyd is great in surround, but symphonies are hokie that way.

 

[Albert]

Thanks

Almost all of our listening is classical, plus some popular favorites.

 

[markw]

I doubt it.

IMNSHO, recordings made with two channels sound best played back with two speakers.

These new fangled multi channel formats are made to be played back with more than two channels and therefore would require the additional speakers.

Some HT receivers have various ways to kefutzwith the sound (DPL, Stereo 6/6, various "hall" type emulations) that will take two channel recordings and do, well, "stuff" with it but wether you like it or not is a personal choice.

Me, personaly, I prefer my two channels recording straight up.

 

[sjdgpt]

For listening to music CDs (no video), should I have rear surround speakers? Will they enhance the experience, or are they unnecessary?

Surround speakers can add ambience, but they can also be disturbing. Give them a try, you may like them. I don't, but then I have never been on stage during a concert either.