Doing some planning in anticipation of getting the 950/770 combo.

Reading the online manuals, I have a question about 7.1 setup. The pictures in the 950 manual show you attaching 'large' speakers to the front l/r, and the rear l/r with 'little bipole' speakers in the middle of the room.

I currently have the Klipsch Reference speaker line, with the RF-3 on the L/R front, the RC-3 as a center, and the RS-3 as a surround. Do I need 'large' speakers on the rear l/r with 7.1 audio now? I may be mis-understanding the 7.1 spec, I thought the new channels were middle surround using dipole speakers as well.

Help me understand please.

Thanks!

By and large the "new" speakers (the surround back channels) can be the same as the surrounds. They can be dipole (I'm using a single dipole in my 6.1 system), but as with surrounds some people prefer direct radiating. They do not need to be full range.

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gonk -- Saloon Links | Pre/Pro Comparison Chart | 950 Review

Trekkie,I think the picture you are referring to in the manual(page 16?) is only there to show proper connection of the 950 to the amplifier- and then from there to the speakers. I think it's more of an "artists conception" rather than representing something real or required. You certainly don't have to go with any particular size speaker or configuration. I personally have direct radiators in all seven locations 'cause it's what I like. I hope I answered your question!

OK, thanks for the replies. I was wondering what kind of surround effect would need a full size speaker. pretty wild.

Trekkie, It's the same sounds that require full size speakers up front instead of a sub/sat combo.

There are the usual arguments about directional bass (or, more correctly, the ability to hear directional bass), but basically it comes down to personal preference and what you can afford.

Best,
Sanjay

In my system, it really does sound different to me when the surrounds are crossed at 80 Hz, versus crossing them at 60 Hz. This is using either DPL II-M or DTS NEO:6-M processing, on a stereo CD with some bass in it.

You may want to try it yourself, on your own system, and see what you think.