it depends on what you listen to,
if done properly (spl meter, proper speaker placement, acoustic treatments to reduce reverbations)
direct radiating speakers are great when watching movies, and gives you the surround effect without adding 'spatial' effects...
bipoles/dipoles are great at creating a surround environment. beautifully used it can create an orchestra hall, and give you the sound that some people prefer in a concert hall. because it does not directly catch your attention, it reduces the pinpoint location of your speakers, leaving the person attentive to the fronts.
consider a concert dvd like the eagles hell freezes over, or even their latest one. if you like to test it, try to see if you can 'move' your surrounds and have them face towards the wall (yes, its unorthodox), and take a seat in the cockpit. if you like em where you hear the 'reflections', great. if it bothers you, then, well, at least you didnt drop that moolah on em.
so, in summary,
movies? direct radiating speakers
music? bi/dipoles.
some speaker companies actually allow you to have both. so pick your flavor and get back to us.
oh, and thank you, for upgrading from a htib combo into a real home theater
