Surround Speaker Comparison

[dnoble1]

Hello everyone, this is my first post.

If i wanted to use a pair of the speakers listed below, which would be better for rear channel speakers? I guess, I am curious if rear speakers need extra bass response or will a set of 2 way speakers get the job done just as well.
I am not familiar with how the frequencies are divided in a 5.1 system, so if the bass signal isnt even being sent to the rear channels then the larger 3way speakers would be pointless. right?
I would prefer to use smaller speakers for the sake of saving space, but if having that little extra bit of bass is worth it, i don't mind getting larger speakers.


ss-b1000
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665191299

ss-b3000
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665191300

[audio amateur]

Get the smaller ones, they will be fine for surround duty. In your A/V surround receiver, set the rear speakers to 'small'.

[Mr Peabody]

To expand on what has already been said, setting the rear speakers to "small" will direct the low frequency to the sub. The crossover point is selectable by you and done inside your receiver's set up menu. Usually set the crossover about where your speaker specifies the low end cutoff is. For instance, if your speaker specs show it plays from 65 Hz to 20 kHz then set the sub crossover close to 60 or 70Hz. Some listening for best result will be required if no test gear.