Can I (or should I) use FXi3's for 7.1 rear surround?

In most systems, for 7.1 we recommend using the same model speakers as your L and R surround speakers- so if you already have FXi5's, then use another pair of FXi5's- mounted at the same height.

Regardless they should be properly positioned- two at the sides of the listening area and two behind, forming the correct angles.

Here's a good diagram:
http://www.dolby.com/consumer/home_entertainment/roomlayout2.html

daboyz wrote: »

Just for giggles, what's the rest of your "bedroom" rig?

Agreed.



And thanks for the little Dolby diagram; it's pretty cool how they set that up.



If those are the speakers you have THXtom, use them. They'll sound good.

jjeckelxz5 wrote: »

i'm still learning about all this surround stuff but if you used bi/dipole speakers in the rear wouldnt that send the sound everywhere but toward you or some sound to you and some straight into a wall?

Yes, that's the point of the surround speakers. They should be diffuse (hard to tell where they're coming from) enveloping, so it's fine to have the sound bounce off of all the surrounding surfaces. If you aim the speakers directly at you the sound becomes quite pinpointable.

The front speakers- however should be aimed directly at the listener. Here you want a focused, defined sound. A little different then the diffuse nature of surrounds.

Of course everything in audio is personal preference, some listeners prefer the more direct/pin point sound of a surround speaker aimed directly at the listening area.

I use FXi A4s for my sides and rears and it works fine.