I suppose that some are satisfied "wit plain ol' stereo". Of course, you could use these as part of a 4.1, 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1 sound system. For example, buy 6 of these for only $2400. Pick up a center channel and sub for another $800 and you're set with speakers. Now, all you need is a way to power all these speakers, (except the sub), and a sound source. All kidding aside, these are not probably intended for use in anything but a very high end home theater system or a stereo system. Most audiophiles still just use stereo for sonic reproduction, since most audio only sources are 2 channel. Sure, you can synthethize the extra channels, but if you don't want or need them, what's the point? These are full range speakers, not dedicated satellites. If you're thinking of home theater, these are probably not for you.
Incidentaly, these are hardly huge. They have a small footprint, and are tall, rather than tiny.
