Hello All,
I have a question regarding mixing speaker brands for surrounds. I currently have Paradigm Studio 20 v.5s, Studio cc490, HSU sub, and a pair of definitive 800s for surrounds. I have mentioned on other forums that the DT 800s sound really good with this set up, and I know if these things sound this good spending a little more $ on a different pair it would probably sound even better. I live in a 1 bedroom in NYC, my room listening room is about 15ft by 13ft. My rear surrounds are only about a foot behind my couch, with about 4ft on each side away from the sweet spot. I do not want to start a fanboy war but would B&W 686s sound good with the paradigms? If not any recomendations on other speakers. I know I could prob get a pair of these for about $500.00. I know my best solution would be getting Studio 10s, but I just dont feel like spending 700 on a pair of surrounds.:( Also the size factor comes in to play, that is one of the reasons I have the DTs.

I'm somewhat pragmatic about mixing different surrounds with a particular front sound stage. In practice, it usually works just fine.

In rare cases some folks try mixing speakers with such radically different sounds (think laid back silk domes up front and horns in the back) that it can be noticeable, but this is an extreme example. 5ch music (DVD-A, SACD, Music BD) are another example where it may become noticable and distracting, but for pure HT it's usually not a major issue... nearly as critical as the matching and quality of the front sound stage.