I am now just setting up my first 7.1 after been using 5.1 for a while now. I think the most important thing is to use similar/same type speakers for the sides that you use for the rest of your set up. You want them all to voice the same, right? I am moving from my vintage all JBL set up to an all Hales 7.1 set up. Well, 7 Hales and one JBL subwoofer. Good luck! John