I have a DSPA1 with a Pioneer 717; now my dilema is that I have 2 Mission 701's for the front and 2 Tannoy M1 rears and a Tannoy MC Centre. I am considering selling the Tannoys and replacing them with the equivalent Mission speaker, namely the 700's and 70c2 Centre. I am considering this as I have heard you should maintain the same brand across all channels due to the different tone and other characteristics of each brand.

What do think? Is it worth the hassle; it already sounds great but I love throughing money at my system to make it that little bit better.

Ciao!

JH

John,

The timbre matching is most important across the front speakers. This is where I have noticed the most problems when putting together speaker systems. The rear surround speakers are meant to give a dispersive/expansive sound so the timbre matching isn't as important. I would suggest only replacing the center channel to match your Mission mains. That should give you the results you are looking for.

I agree. The rear speakers are for ambience, so timbre matching isn't as important. You could replace the centre speaker to match your Mission mains, but if the Tannoy centre already blends with the Mission, then why bother?

LCR speakers of the same brand doesn't automatically mean they'll sound better. My centre speaker is of a different brand to my mains, but it matches much better (in my opinion) with my mains than the mains' own centre speaker.

Have to say that you should take time at a hifi store ot listen to a set-up with your current speakers and their matching centre, and then listen to your current speakers with a range of other centres. At the end of the day, what matches best is usaually a matter of personal preference.