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Why do I need so many speakers?
Today's typical home-theater consists of at least five (5) speakers plus an optional subwoofer. Here's what each speaker is for.
Mains (left/right)
These are the speakers you are probably most used to. For regular two-channel (stereo) playback, these are the speakers you are going to use. In HT, these speakers help provide localization and "off-screen" effects. So, if someone throws a plate off to the left of the screen, you'll hear that plate break in your left speaker.
Center Speaker
A very important speaker for HT. Considering most of what you hear will come from the center channel, it's importance cannot be understated. Imagine if I was talking to you right now. Where would my voice come from? Obviously, it would be coming directly from me. Almost all of the dialog you hear in a movie comes from this speaker.
Rears (left/right)
These speakers are mostly utilized for localized or diffuse/ambient type sound effects. Imagine if a plane or helicopter flew "over" your head. The sound would start in the front and finish in the rear. It feels as if the plane actually flew over your head and behind you. Or, imagine it's a rainy scene...you'd hear the sound of the rain and thunder coming from all around, including from behind you...just like it would be in the real world.
Subwoofer
Many HT systems/speakers are great at reproducing mid-to-hi frequencies, but they're not so good at reproducing that chest-pounding thump you get when you're at the theater. Speakers have to work pretty hard to get that kind of thump. That's where the subwoofer comes in. It'll help provide for a deeper sense of bass when needed. Remember that really big explosion in the theater? With a sub, you'll get closer to that sensation at home! Remember, you can always add a sub later.
Some other things to consider about speakers
Timbre Matching
This is the term used to describe a set of speakers that are sonically matched to eachother. This is very important to ensure that you get the same "type of sound" out of every speaker. Imagine a motorcycle in your left speaker...as it moves towards the center the sound starts changing...by the time it gets to your center speaker the motorcycle now sounds like a moped! That's not good HT. Ensuring that your speakers are timbre-matched will ensure a good sonic imagine throughout your room. Many companies now offer HT speaker packages with similar drivers in them...those will definitely be timbre matched.
Listening
One of the most often asked questions is, "How good is this speaker?" That is something you will have to decide for yourself...remember...no one can tell you what sounds good to your ears. You absolutely must listen to as many speakers as you can...then...decide for YOURSELF what sounds good. When auditioning speakers, remember to bring music/movies that you are familiar with. Also, remember that they will sound different once you get them home. Make sure your retailer will take them back or exchange if necessary.
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