I read from some that 5 or 7 identical bookshelf speakers is the way to go for a surround setup. I bought a pair of Axiom M2i to try out in a 2.1 system with a SVS PB10-ISD and may eventually get 5 more if I love them. I figure there's got to be a benefit to using di/quad-poles though. Spacious, enveloping, etc -vs- beam sound from bookshelves in the rear ??? Truth or hype?
My HT (still being built) is rather small - only 1500 ft3 - so rear seating positions may be very close to the back wall. What do ya'll think? Should I plan on di/quad-poles for sides and rear?
Also, what's the benefit of a special center channel design over a bookshelves identical to the mains? It seems center channels are often more speaker than mains despite the smaller load sent to them.