I used center, mains and surrounds, in my previous 5.1 system and have since replaced them with seven identical speakers and a modern 7.1 HDMI receiver with room correction. The difference in balance and the surround effect is simply stunning. With two subs tower speakers aren't needed.
Paradigm front ported Titans show up in component picks year after year. My pick for a linear amplified receiver would be the Integra DTR 30.1 which uses the Audyssey room correction. For a switching amplified receiver it would be Pioneer Elite SC-05 which uses a Pioneer graphic /parametric room corretion. Both of these have comparable choices in Onkyo and Pioneer with lesser parts quality.
With room correction you can run 7.1 in small rooms.
Paradigm front ported Titans show up in component picks year after year. My pick for a linear amplified receiver would be the Integra DTR 30.1 which uses the Audyssey room correction. For a switching amplified receiver it would be Pioneer Elite SC-05 which uses a Pioneer graphic /parametric room corretion. Both of these have comparable choices in Onkyo and Pioneer with lesser parts quality.
With room correction you can run 7.1 in small rooms.