[greatmane]

Actually I'm using 3 bookshelves horizontally, one above my monitor. I don't have room to put them vertically but the sound is pretty good horizontally. And yes it is so much better with matching speakers across the front. The one different speaker is ok for surround. It's farther away and vertical. It seems the sound really degrades up close and horizontal. Unfortunately these speakers aren't made anymore so there is no chance of getting another matching one. But I'll sure know for next time. My back surrounds don't match either but they are used so little that it's not much of a problem. They're close enough. Floor-standers are a dream for now but someday.

I'm about 2 feet from the center and 2'6" from the mains. Yea I know they're really close together but it's the best I can do with my present layout. Fortunately they're not so close that I don't get a good sound stage, but far closer than would be ideal. I do have them toed in just a little bit but not much. And the sound is very similar from the center one too so I doubt that the toe in has much to do with it. Also if I get up and stand a few feet back they do sound better so I assume the distance is the main factor.