Surround Speaker Question

I must add that the BEST surround speaker would be the same speaker as the fronts.
But I gather that the op is looking for an alternative speaker that will work well.

I think th best surrounds are from the same manufacturer as your fronts. That way they are similarly voiced .

i'd consider your movies (assume that is why you have surrounds) and then consider your budget. personally I only have a couple movies with enough content to worry about surrounds and consequently I think I overspent on my rears. YMMV. Mind I have movies with content but only one or two where the matching to the fronts makes a difference utilize my quality rears.

You can get some Martin Logans (used) for a price that hits your budget. Used you can look at the LX-16. If you have space for in-wall, then look at the Martin Logan Passage. They are on sale from $799 each to $299 at Audio Advisor. http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=MLPASS%20%20%20%20EAWHT

The Audioholics store has additional Martin Logan speakers at a clearance deal at: http://store.audioholics.com Martin Logan Source speakers are on sale from $1,100 to $600.

For a time, I used high quality Focal surrounds to mate with my Revel fronts. There was a indeed a difference and it was noticeable.... and it was bothersome. If you can afford it, try and timbre match your setup with the same brand. Chances are they will tend to be voiced similarly.

I disagree with the opinions that the surrounds don't matter. They do. If it's not within budget and you need to compromise, that's one thing, but if you can make it work within your budget then do it.

You also do not need dipoles for surrounds so if you're worried about that, then don't. Using direct firing/direct radiating speakers works perfectly in a surround setup and many of the higher-end manufacturers don't make dipoles any longer for the surrounds.

Here, look at this auction for Martin Logan Vignettes. I think you found your solution.

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/monitors-martin-logan-vignette-black-2012-09-20-speakers-37209