Rear Speaker Recommendation

[audioAVfan 18]

I am expanding one of my rooms that currently only has a 3.2 set up into a 7.2 set up (running on various TFM 45's).  

 

I have three sets of speakers (sitting in my garage) that I can choose from to use as rear surround, and surround back speakers (for sound effects) in this new 7.2 set up. 

 

The speakers in the current 3.2 set up are of the same brand I am considering for rears. The 3.2 set up has a frequency range of 20Hz-35kHz.

 

So which of these three sets of speakers do you recommend as the surround pair and the rear surround pair? I'm probably going to sell the pair that I don't end up using. And I'm purposely not stating the manufacturer, let's just say the manufacturer has been in business for a VERY long time. OH, and I know none of these speakers are super special at all, nominal at best, but it's what I have to work with. 

 

Here are my options: 

 

speaker option A

Frequency Response		65 Hz - 35 kHz
Sensitivity		87 dB/2.83 V/1 m
Input Power (Maximum / Nominal)		150W / 60W

 

Speaker option B

Frequency Response		60 Hz-50 kHz
Sensitivity		89 dB/2.83 V/1 m
Input Power (Maximum / Nominal)		120W / 30W
Crossover Frequencies		3 kHz

 

speaker option c

Frequency Response		55 Hz - 40 kHz
Sensitivity		87 dB / 2.83 V / 1 m
Input Power (Maximum / Nominal)		130 W / 40 W

Your thoughts? 

 

 

 

 

[oldtexasdog 2,492]

What ever sounds the best to you I would think. The rears are not as critical to being balanced as the fronts and center. I use a pair of Dipoles, as my sofa is against the wall, after trying many other configurations. It just sounds more natural to my environment. So let your ears guide you

[kve777 6,904]

It is best to match voicing above all else. That way a person talking sounds the same as they exit the forefront.

[Daddyjt 9,858]

The stats you have listed are boarderline irrelevant when it comes to surrounds.  Much morre important are dispersion patterns and voicing to your mains.  Most speakers designed for main L&R duty are not an optimum choice for surround duty.  For example, the Klipsch RB7 is an outstanding bookshelf speaker that retailed for about $800.  The RS7 is a great surround speaker in the same line, and retailed for about $350.  Even though the bookshelf model has greater power handling, better frequency response, and higher sensativity, it can't compete with the RS7, because it wasn't designed for surround use.

 

It's a fools game to pick audio equipment based on stats.  As James said - listen to them all, and choose the best SOUNDING one:-)

[audioAVfan 18]

Perfect, and thank you all for the input. Based on what you've suggested (and taught me), a couple in my selection ARE designed for surround use. That said, Ill use those for my rear surround and back surround. And that also eliminates the one set I can now sell. Thanks again!

[fill35U 1,848]

I'd say for surround use with a modern processor to pick the speaker with the widest, most even , horizontal dispersion(as a bipole). But if you'll always be the only one listening, and sitting in the same sweet spot, then it's probably not as important.  

 

I don't think seamlessly tracking dialogue to the surround channels is as critical. At least, I can't recall a movie or song where I've noticed continuous dialogue moving around like that. Usually the LCR combo is where it's important to match for dialogue (and where so few "large box" systems are truly matched!). 

 

Since you've got dual subs, the lower bass response is just the usual integration issue. *Unless* you're using your system to listen things like SACD's, in which case each speaker is expected to cover the full frequency range at full power. 

 

So you might want to check speaker type, placement, and integration with each type of material (and listening position?), just to make sure your final choices are the best compromises.