Im using my old speakers for Home Theater but I cant locate a center or rear speakers that match. Is it ok to mix brands?
Yes. The old convention that the three front speakers had to be an exact match has faded. You have the tools to pick the best speakers to do the job: use your ears. The center channel should provide clear, articulate speech and fit the space you have for it. The only other considerations are cosmetics and cost. Choosing the rear speakers will be more a more challenging task. There are basically 3 different types: Dipolar, Bipolar and monopolar. Most speakers are monopole, meaning they shoot the sound from one side, usually the front. Dipolar and bipolar shoot the sounds from two opposing sides, Dipolar in a push-pull pattern, bipolar in a push-push pattern. Dipolar speakers are primarily used for THX home theaters (also see question # 8), Bipolar speakers are popular for larger rooms with limited placement options. In reality, a set of small, inexpensive speakers with brackets or wall-mount keyholes will work quite well in most systems, as will a wide variety of in-wall or in-ceiling s
