Can you mix and match speakers with an AV amp?

Barks · 24 May 2009 at 16:58

Simple question really. Say you've got brand A front speakers, brand B rear speakers, brand C centre speaker... and I guess the sub is irrelevant as that has its own phono output anyway.

Cheers

richolmes72 · 24 May 2009 at 17:07

Yes - nothing technologically that stops you doing it.

However, sound wise, completely random selection may unbalance the sound. It requires a little thought but I won't comment as I'm hardly an audiophile!

spookywillow · 24 May 2009 at 17:35

just try and make sure they are all the same rated Ohms

OCdude · 24 May 2009 at 17:52

You can, but as previously stated - it's not generally recommended as you can end up having 'unbalanced' sound, as each speaker brand tends to have it's own subtle nuances etc

divuk83 · 24 May 2009 at 19:27

Keep the front 3 speakers the same make and series of speaker, I would say it doesn't matter as much about the rear speakers.

Dave

Barks · 25 May 2009 at 13:07

I'm aware it's never going to sound as good I just wanted to know if it's technically possible.

As it happens my front 3 speakers and sub are the same make so should be fine.

I just thought that I have all the speakers needed for a 5.1 setup, so why not buy a second hand AV amp and a better setup for films.

Wizzfizz · 25 May 2009 at 13:18

divuk83 said:
Keep the front 3 speakers the same make and series of speaker, I would say it doesn't matter as much about the rear speakers.

Dave

Pretty much this. I'd always try keep the front 3 the same.

EverybodyelsE · 26 May 2009 at 02:14

I agree with what others have said. If possible try and get matched speakers for the best balance.

Although having said that I have recently bought a Yamaha DSP-AX863SE and noticed that the YPAO auto setup can EQ the speakers individually! Quite a nice feature should you want to mix things up a little.

Lowe · 26 May 2009 at 08:21

I don't see the problem with mixing brands/models so long as you're sensible and have a receiver which is capable of applying EQ to each channel. You won't notice the difference if it's set up properly mid film, the only way you'll hear it is through listening to pink noise, and lets face it you need to be pretty bored to find that fun

Barks · 26 May 2009 at 08:54

I already have a 4.1 setup stricly speaking. 5.1 sound card, 1 amp and sub handle the front three, and another amp and 2 bookshelves act as the rear speakers. It sounds great but I watch most of my stuff from the WD HD TV now so thinking of chucking an AV amp into the mix.

Cheers for the advice

Howard · 26 May 2009 at 08:54

I've been able to easily tell the difference with mixed brands of speakers before, mainly with voices and panning

Corasik · 26 May 2009 at 11:59

I have a complete set of mission 75's for my AV system (753 fronts, 75c, and 750le rears), but due to space issues, I swapped out the 750le rears for some very compact aluminium speakers, they blend in surprisingly well. So as they say.. make sure the 3 front speakers match, but the effect speakers can be alternate models.

a1ex2001 · 27 May 2009 at 16:15

I mixed and matched for years as a student as I could never quite afford what I wanted, I now have a single make all around and it definately sounds better especially accross the front where the integration is miles better.