Pioneer Andrew Jones Designed Speakers: SP-T22A-LR $79, SP-C22 EXPIRED

Hey there, newbie here. I was hoping to be pointed in the right direction about the problems of mixing speakers from different lines/manufacturers. My current setup has the Andrew Jones tower speakers (sp-fs52 iirc) as the left and right channel and a polk (t30) center channel with old infinity bookshelf speakers(something-rather) rear channels. Is there a site that explains why this is a bad idea in layman's terms? Or is it that big of an issue?

Quote from EricE4951 : Hey there, newbie here. I was hoping to be pointed in the right direction about the problems of mixing speakers from different lines/manufacturers. My current setup has the Andrew Jones tower speakers (sp-fs52 iirc) as the left and right channel and a polk (t30) center channel with old infinity bookshelf speakers(something-rather) rear channels. Is there a site that explains why this is a bad idea in layman's terms? Or is it that big of an issue?

Well, why do you feel it's a bad idea?

Wasn't this a thread with hundreds of posts? Was that one closed and replaced with this one?

How do the SBCS22LR's compare to Dayton Audio MK402 and Dayton Audio B652?

The 402's also come in a blue tooth version. I could use a Dayton Audio or other BT amp to power the passive version or the passive Pioneers. I have a passive sub-woofer I could add to the mix too. I think the 22's are more like the 652's than the 402's. I want to use them with a TV and I'd like to use BT to play music from my laptop.

Thanks for any help. Where is that other thread?

Quote from EricE4951 : Hey there, newbie here. I was hoping to be pointed in the right direction about the problems of mixing speakers from different lines/manufacturers. My current setup has the Andrew Jones tower speakers (sp-fs52 iirc) as the left and right channel and a polk (t30) center channel with old infinity bookshelf speakers(something-rather) rear channels. Is there a site that explains why this is a bad idea in layman's terms? Or is it that big of an issue?

It is an issue with tonality but there js nothing wrong with mixing.....but you will need to be more educated about it.

For example, if you had a Bose left speaker and a klipsch right speaker you won't be surprised that it will sound off. Even if you match speaker ratings such as power, efficiency, range.... The speaker construction will lead to different sounds. It won't be balanced.

As you move away from the main speakers, the importance of matching drops off but still plays a role. A sub is less about tone matching and more about range and power and balance. A sub from the same line would account for this. Line and brand are not the same thing. Line= series.

One way to tell importance of matching is by how they are sold and produced. You will rarely ever find main left and rights sold independently. There are plenty of companies that make only main speaker pairs though. But none that make just a left or right speaker. While center speakers are sold separately they are rarely produced without mains. Rears are also sold in pairs separately but never produced on their own, always as part of a line\series.
Subs are produced on their own and sold on their own but can be a part of a line.
If you look at audiophiles they rarely mix mains.
, centers or rears but often have a different sub. The best subs are produced on their own....

That said, hearing is in the ear of the listener. My wife lacks any interest in centers, rears...and tends to complain about bass if its too much. So if money is limited, i would invest in mains first and a solid receiver. Then a decent sub. Then add a matchng center for the mains. Then matching rears....

You can search youtube for this topic....

I have the pioneer line in the main living room. Its a good set for the price. I woukd definitely spend the 54 for the matcing center. Its resell value will be close to that if taken care of.

The front three speakers should ideally be from the same model family if home theater is your main use scenario. Two channel music, not as important for the center to match. Surrounds can be whatever, those channels are more forgiving. Only exception is multi-channel music, then matching surrounds play more of a role.

Bottom line for most scenarios, try to match the front three. Use whatever you wish for surrounds.

Quote from EricE4951 : Hey there, newbie here. I was hoping to be pointed in the right direction about the problems of mixing speakers from different lines/manufacturers. My current setup has the Andrew Jones tower speakers (sp-fs52 iirc) as the left and right channel and a polk (t30) center channel with old infinity bookshelf speakers(something-rather) rear channels. Is there a site that explains why this is a bad idea in layman's terms? Or is it that big of an issue?

Aside from looking like it was all picked up from yard sales, there's nothing wrong with mixing pairs if it sounds right to you.

Having your front pair match the rear pair(s) is technically more accurate on paper, but it doesn't match the reality of sound mixing in cinema. Most mixes are typically not as bass heavy on the surrounds, which is why most setups can get away with smaller satellite speakers and sound alright.

Most people also just don't have the space for them, which is why even Dolby's setup recommendations don't show massive speakers on the surrounds: https://www.dolby.com/about/suppo...up-guides/

With that said, a good center channel is a game changer when most mixes are terrible at getting spoken dialog to proper levels.

They never have the matching Andrew Jones sub to go with this.

Quote from Kwincy : They never have the matching Andrew Jones sub to go with this.

The matching sub is OK, but there are other subs that are as good or better even at discounted prices.

Quote from Kwincy : They never have the matching Andrew Jones sub to go with this.

Believe me you're better off without it.
It is definitely the weakest link on the series.

This is a Much Better Choice for The Same Price.

Quote from nylarthotep : The matching sub is OK, but there are other subs that are as good or better even at discounted prices.

Quote from LEOMHK : Believe me you're better off without it. It is definitely the weakest link on the series. This is a Much Better Choice for The Same Price.

Thanks!

I'm curious about the SP-BS22A-LR. Is that intended to be Surround Rear + Atmos up-firing ? I've seen floor-standing + up-firing but I didn't know they had bookself + up-firing. I have an 8-ft ceiling: any idea how the angles are like on the up-firing to figure out how far away they'd need to be placed from the seating positions for it sound right?

I have a 3.1 setup (Andrew Jones fronts + DaytonAudio Sub) and would like to make it into a 5.1.2

Quote from yuyak : I'm curious about the SP-BS22A-LR. Is that intended to be Surround Rear + Atmos up-firing ? I've seen floor-standing + up-firing but I didn't know they had bookself + up-firing. I have an 8-ft ceiling: any idea how the angles are like on the up-firing to figure out how far away they'd need to be placed from the seating positions for it sound right? I have a 3.1 setup (Andrew Jones fronts + DaytonAudio Sub) and would like to make it into a 5.1.2

Here is the link for the setup and angles. The angles get glossed over all the time but they are crucial for best performance.
That is one of the main issues with enabled modules in the average home.
Keep in mind this is all subjective, reason why you get so many different opinions on this topic.
Hope this helps and good luck.

https://www.dolby.com/about/suppo...up-guides/

Quote from EricE4951 : Hey there, newbie here. I was hoping to be pointed in the right direction about the problems of mixing speakers from different lines/manufacturers. My current setup has the Andrew Jones tower speakers (sp-fs52 iirc) as the left and right channel and a polk (t30) center channel with old infinity bookshelf speakers(something-rather) rear channels. Is there a site that explains why this is a bad idea in layman's terms? Or is it that big of an issue?

Being a "newbie" I would caution you about "hoping to be pointed in the right direction" and thinking you can find an answer to that question, all you will be doing is opening a big unnecessary rabbit hole.

That discussion/question(s) have been going on for eons and at the end of it all there really is only one "right direction" and that is only determined by each of us individually.

People have tried to use many arguments(ie specs, measurements,graphs, expert opinions, etc) but there isn't really ONE that answers it all for everyone and never will be.

You have to understand we all have our own preferences, expectations, bias and then there is the fact that we all hear things differently.

From someone that has been doing this for many many years and setup many many systems I would recommend this simple rule:

If you are happy with what you hear you are at the "right direction". There will always be something better, whether its worth it comes down to you listening and comparing it for yourself. Everything else is all just a big unnecessary rabbit hole!

I have over $6K invested in speakers alone, have I heard a better system, most definitely!
Is it worth it for me to go after it(based on many factors), no I'm very happy with what I have.
Does that make me wrong, no not in the least!

That can happen at every price point as long as you follow that simple rule.

If you like what you have and how it sounds who cares what anyone else thinks, just keep enjoying it!