What the heck does a Surround speaker do??

Depends on what you saw. Two different things may be called a "surround speaker". The first is simply a speaker designed for use as a surround channel, which usually means it is bipolar or dipolar. The second is an "all-in-one" speaker which sits on top of a TV and simulates a complete 5-channel setup (sub is still separate) by itself. Whether or not something like this would work for you depends on both your room and your tastes.

thanks


From what the diagram looks like it is telling me that the surrounds do the same function as my planned in-ceiling speakers will do.


I am still unsure as to the benefit of one over the other??

sorry about being so vague in my question.

I was referring to something like this:

For arguments sake take a look at the in wall klipsch R5650S compared to R5650w

or the in ceiling CDT series compared to RS 10 Surround


thanks again

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In your case yes. As you may have read it depends on the format but in every format from 5.1 up three speakers have names......front/main(R & L) & center. The .1 is the sub. All the other speakers are called surrounds.


When you see speakers called "surrounds" generally they are smaller slightly (significantly) less capable than the mains.


In wall or freestanding? No real clear answer. Depends on speakers, setup, needs, etc. In very general terms the freestanding tend to be better - but that's very general & LOTS of folks have nice systems with in-wall/ceiling.

I think I understand the question now. It is all a matter of preference. Some people like diffused sound others like it straight in your face kinda thing. Placement and WAF will also dictate the kind of speaker you want to use. You can use any speaker that sound good to you.

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For me WAF ranks as numbers 1, 2, & 3 when choosing equipment.

But there are in ceiling surrounds and "straight"

and

there are in wall surrounds and "straight".


Basically you guys are telling me its 6 of one and half a dozen of the other.

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Basically, that is what it is. You're the one that's going to listen to them. Some people prefer same speakers all the way around. Others, big box in front and bookshelves on the rear. There are those who prefer in-walls all the way. You like Klipsch and others don't.