Long time lurker looking for HT opinions

@tigheandjudi does your HT space double as a 2 channel listening area or is it exclusively for HT duties?

I’ve been into HT since I was a kid, I got into 2 channel about 7 years ago.  I had always listened to the advice that you wanted all your HT speakers to be voiced the same.  Once I got into 2 channel I shifted, ignoring that and getting left / righty front speakers with 2 channel being the priority.  I have a Dolby Atmos set up, 7 speakers total, not including 2 subs.  The only matching speakers I have are a Focal center and Focal towers I actually use for the surround sound speakers in the back of my HT space.  I haven’t ever noticed an issue with my HT set up, synergy having different brands, speakers mixed.   Now, I have matching pairs, same speakers Left / Right fronts, same in ceiling Atmos speakers, same speaker rears.  
 

The most important speakers in HT are the Center Channel, has the highest usage rate, then the Right / Left fronts.

If you are using the space exclusively for HT, I’d go with everything matching, if you are going to use the set up for 2 channel, prioritize the left / right fronts and don’t worry about matching or having the same brand.  
 

One biggie is I have always had HT receivers that have Room Correction, this may be a big reason why I’ve never had an issue with mixed brands / speakers in my HT set up. 

Good Luck. 

This is for primarily HT use and TV watching.  I use 2 channel rarely, and honestly when I do the 707's sound good enough to me.  Granted, they are pretty large to be called bookshelves, but they reach pretty low and are most likely better than most mass market brand floorstanders.  Yes, I am most definitely going with the LCR version for the center.  Once I saw that they now make a 33 degree angled In wall 6" for directional firing, it got me thinking that if I'm gonna spend the money, I may as well include those for atmos at the top of the wall where it meets the ceiling.  But that will still add ~$800 for a pair, so considering not doing the LCR for the FR/FL, but rather the base 6" rectangle 2way.  Decisions decisions.  I think in the end, it's going to sound exceptional for the majority of folks including myself that will be listening to them.  Just wanted some extra feedback from those that have experience with a tad higher end components/systems.  Thanks again all.

I'm setting up a media room based on exactly the same principle as mentioned by the poster above. I started out buying all matching speakers (KEF R-series) but later decided I wanted to upgrade my main L&R to Dutch & Dutch 8c's. They don't make a center channel and buying one to use as such is impractical (and maybe not possible anyway). So I'll definitely be testing the school of thought that matching brands is not super important with even the center being another brand. I'll be using a Lyngdorf pre/pro with their proprietary room correction called Room Perfect. Total of 15 speakers plus subs.

I should note that my priority with the room is music (2-channel and possibly multi-channel) so the center will only be used when in theater mode. If it's too noticeable I can try using a phantom center. My seating is just one enormous sofa so I'm not too worried about different seats having a problem with dialogue.

The D&D's are uniquely equipped to handle what would normally be the acoustic issue of having a 100" flat screen tv between them (they're highly directional). They also have their own room correction that'll come in handy when listening to just them.

I'm still in room prep mode so I'm anxious to get everything going.

we are a custom installer/home theater specialists.

a few points one focals are not laid back and you need a matching center channel

if you want a warmer loudspeaker that is an excellent in wall look at the dali line

Dave and Troy

Audio Intellect NJ

Focal and Dali dealers

For Home HT , you want fast clear  speakers  : Focal , Monitor Audio .