Do I have to buy a set for 5.1 surround audio, or can I just buy 5 speakers and one subwoofer separately to potentially save money and link them to my AVR?
Do I have to buy a set for 5.1 surround audio, or can I just buy 5 speakers and one subwoofer separately to potentially save money and link them to my AVR?
You can mix and match. Most AVRs let you set the crossover frequency for front and rear speakers separately, assuming you’re using the sub/lfe out. Just watch out for the usual speaker stuff like attaching high-impedance speakers to an amp that can’t handle it.
There’s some leeway on the rear speakers since they’re mostly used for environmental effects you can get away with a cheaper set. I’d be less inclined to skimp on the center speaker though. You generally want it to be a close match to the front L/R. Though a 4.1 setup could work if your AVR knows how to do it properly.