Hi, I'm looking to do a 7.1 as cheap as possible. I have an old set of 4 JBL SCS SAT500 speakers that id like to use as surrounds and back speakers, i then have two Energy C-200's for L/R & one C-C100 for center.
Question: Will these speakers mix Ok or is there a general rule when doing 7.1 that they must match the front L/R?
Thanks for any input.

I have mixed speakers, and you are in a better situation that I, since my center channel doesn't match the left and right. Does your receiver have the Audyssey processor? Mine does, and it matches the dissimilar speakers very nicely. If you don't, just listen and tweak with the tone controls to get a sound that you find good.

It would be ideal if you were using 7 identical speakers, but don't let 'perfect' be the enemy of 'good'. Use the speakers you already have; your 7.1 set-up will sound fine. With two pairs of SAT500 speakers, surround effects will remain consistent sounding as they move from side to rear. Set it up and enjoy!

I have mixed speakers, and you are in a better situation that I, since my center channel doesn't match the left and right. Does your receiver have the Audyssey processor? Mine does, and it matches the dissimilar speakers very nicely. If you don't, just listen and tweak with the tone controls to get a sound that you find good.
Thanks Jim. Yes i have a Denon with Audyssey processor and HDMI inputs so i can enjoy lossless sound albeit in the form of PCM from a PS3.
It would be ideal if you were using 7 identical speakers, but don't let 'perfect' be the enemy of 'good'. Use the speakers you already have; your 7.1 set-up will sound fine. With two pairs of SAT500 speakers, surround effects will remain consistent sounding as they move from side to rear. Set it up and enjoy!
Thanks Sdurani. It sounds like i might need golden ears to hear the difference which is great news, as i'm in a none treated apartment :)

Audyssey works wonders for room control. My area is very hard, with no draperies and just an area rug on the wood floor. The sound after running Audyssey is very nice, without the harshness I had prior to doing that, and it even tweaked the speakers for greater treble output. You're going to be fine with your setup. The ideal is all speakers the same, or at least from the same manufacturer, but we all can't be in that situation!! ;)

Audyssey works wonders for room control. My area is very hard, with no draperies and just an area rug on the wood floor. The sound after running Audyssey is very nice, without the harshness I had prior to doing that, and it even tweaked the speakers for greater treble output. You're going to be fine with your setup. The ideal is all speakers the same, or at least from the same manufacturer, but we all can't be in that situation!! ;)

That was not my experience with Audyssey even after following the instruction to the T.

What results were you unhappy with?