Matching center to Fronts to....

[squidbait]

How import, and if so, what factors do I need to be aware of when selecting a center channel to build, to match my front pair of speakers?

Same brand? Same speaker? Same caracteristics?

Then, how important is the matching of the rear channels?

[Ken L]

IMHO, The rears just don't have very much information in them as regards to HT so the match is not that critical in regards to HT

If multichannel audio is an interest, they all five should match

The front center match question depends on whether 2 channel or HT is your main interest.

If music is your main interest - then if you go all out that means large and usually expensive speakers for L-R.

Impractical for size and budget reasons to have five large and expensive speakers with two subs, matching amps, etc - for most people anyhow.

so it mainly depends on your priorities.

Regards

Ken L

[squidbait]

My main interest is HT.

In reading the speaker cookbook, VD states that matching is critical. But he throws a new wrinkle into the process. I can't just make a MTM like my fronts, and lay it on it's side. How many people use MTM's horizontally vs. vertically? WIll I notice a big difference if I do?

[454Casull]

MTMs lying on the side have terrible horizontal dispersion.

Somebody recommended a

....T...
WMW

earlier, I think.

[squidbait]

I am just wondering how noticeable it will be. I realize measureing equipment picks it up, but what about the human ear?

[azira]

the MTM dispersion issue really should be more of a mixed issue.
They are pretty well badmouthed here but...
There are tons of them commercially availible. If it was a critical noticable fidelity issue, I would guess that the commercial products would do something about it. For example, make it a triangular MTM configuration with tweeter offset above the mids to minimize C-t-C spacing.
Remember that the dispersion issues will only be at problem near the crossover frequency; above that and your tweeter operates like a single driver. If you spend time using the vpr line array tool, you'll notice that onaxis response +/- 10-15deg doesn't suffer that much at the frequencies where you'd be crossing over.
So, I tend to think that an MTM works fine in a HT setup as long as you're listening to it head on... which is as my roommate calls it "primo viewing land." If you were off axis that much, I would consider the effects of being significantly closer to the L/R speaker much more of an issue for sound than being in a bad listening angle for a couple octaves on the center channel.
In addition, the dispersion issue is not a vertical issue when the MTM is on its side like a center channel. That gives you a little more flexibility in placing it vertically in your setup.
--
Danny

[planet10]

I'm still in the no centre is the best centre camp... perfect timbral balance with the mains and no collapse of the image. Really only needed id you have people sitting way out of the sweet spot.

dave