i have qs8 for side surrounds, and now want to get the rear surounds, however not sure what is best for a 7.1 set up , should i use something like the m3 or another pair of qs8 or qs4

Z, the QS8s provide plenty of dispersion for general ambience, so I'd suggest that you consider M2s to have a little more direct sound in back; this would be a bit better for movies where some sounds which are about equal in the left and right surrounds are intended to be specifically imaged in back. The M2s should be about 6' up on the back wall and separated by about the same distance as they're behind the sitting position. Oh, and incidentally, set your Yamaha to 8 ohms impedance so that you don't limit the maximum power available.

Zest, I took that advice, and bought a pair of M2s for the back surround position, use QS8s for side surround. I listen to music in 7.2 and movies in equal measure. As to music, most of the time CDs, but sometimes SACD or DVD Audio. I have my M2s up for sale. If I had it to do over again, I'd get QS8s for both the back and side surround positions.

My front surrounds used to be a pair of M60 like Michaura M665s, but I moved these gorgeous towers to my office and picked up a pair of Thiel CS 3.6s for fronts, a heavily modified Merak (Axiom made) center speaker with a pair of Axiom 6.5" drivers, a little surgery and a Reference 3a de capo mm tweeter and cross over (the Axiom drivers run free). This is the best sounding center speaker I've heard, although I will be building a slightly larger Axiom shaped center cabinet for a second center using a pair of Axiom 6.5" drivers, my remaining de capo tweeter and x-over, and a supertweeter.

Anyway, sorry I rambled off there ... my recommendation, based on actual experience (at least with the recommended QS8/M2 combo) as opposed to some theoretical model, go with QS8s for side and back surround duty.

Enjoy your system!!

this really is a users preference. For me, I have a very large room, and 4 Qs8's is the only way to go. Your mileage may vary. Some who like to listen to a lot of music, prefer direct radiating for the rears, however, the Q's will hold their own, in my opinion. I have lots of music DVD's in DTS and DD and the Q's sound wonderful.

4 - QS8's HERE. They are the best bang for the buck.