I just moved into a small condo and I won't be able to place my TV in front of my couch. The TV stand will be at a right angle from the couch, so I will have to angle the TV when i want to watch it. I have a pair of Vandersteen speakers, which are too big to place on the sides of my TV. Can I use these as my rear speakers and get smaller speakers for my fronts? Thanks for your suggestions!
Jeremy, it's your euipment. You can use it in any way you see fit. However, since much of the dialog and primary information is channeled through your front and center speakers, you could lose a lot of impact, depending, of course, on the front small speakers you acquire. In my opinion, your best speakers should be your fronts and/or center in an HT setup. If one has to compromise, I would normally recommend doing so on the surrounds.
I agree with dale, You need to be creative and find a way to put the 'big dogs' up front with your TV. Those are the most important speakers in your system, and you dont want to shortchange yourself. Most of the dramatic effects go through the front, and you dont want those channeled through anything but the best speakers you have.