Does the 6th speaker need to be (1 Viewer)

[Brad Newton]

the same as the surronds or the same as the center channel? What about the 7th?

 

[Dheiner]

Briefly, from my experience, (and I'm certain that if I'm incorrect someone will correct me):

Front left, Front right, & Center should be identical. If not, they should be at least the same mfg.

Left and Right surrounds should match each other exactly, and sonically(sp?) the closer to the fronts the better.

That's 5. So, I assume you are asking about the .1 protion of 5.1. If so, what remains is a sub-woofer. I do not think it matters whether this "matches" your other speakers, but probably should be of as ggod a quality as is practical.

If on the other hand, you are asking about the 6th and 7th speakers in a 7.1 or other set-up, they would be the rear center or the rear left and rear right. They should be identical to you left and right surrounds.

 

[Cees Alons]

I think you mean a "center-back"? I would make that one as closest (equal) to the two surrounds as possible.

Cees