Explain this configuration

[HAMP]

I was reading the manual for the Monitor Audio RX-FX surround speakers and I read this and got confused.
I just don’t understand this config.

“When using 2 pairs of RX-FX in a 7.1 system, you need to use the Right speaker for the rear surround left and the Left speaker for the rear surround right.
This is because of the tweeter phasing”

[mywxrld]

It almost sound as if they are a "bi-pole" type speaker but I don't know anything about them. If they are then I could understand wanting them placed that way to prevent any sound cancellation from speakers being out of phase with each other.

Edit: Yes, it is because they are bi-pole configurable.

[Big Daddy]

The Monitor Audio RX/FX are bipole/dipole speakers. If you uses them as bipole speakers, it doesn't make any difference how you use them in a 5.1 or 7.1 system. In dipole mode, the speakers are out of phase. When you put two dipole speakers in the rear, you switch their position by putting the right one on the left and the left one on the right so that the in-phase drivers are facing each other. More detailed explanation is in A Guide to Bipolar, Dipolar, & Direct Radiating Surround Speakers.

[HAMP]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

The Monitor Audio RX/FX are bipole/dipole speakers. If you uses them as bipole speakers, it doesn't make any difference how you use them in a 5.1 or 7.1 system.

In dipole mode, the speakers are out of phase. When you put two dipole speakers in the rear, you switch their position by putting the right one on the left and the left one on the right so that the in-phase drivers are facing each other. More detailed explanation is in A Guide to Bipolar, Dipolar, & Direct Radiating Surround Speakers.

So this is a dipole config?

“When using 2 pairs of RX-FX in a 7.1 system, you need to use the Right speaker for the rear surround left and the Left speaker for the rear surround right.
This is because of the tweeter phasing”

But if I want the bipole set-up, there is no special wiring? Just connect as normal, but with the switch on the speaker set to bipole.

Seems like bipole is better, but that would depend on the listener.

I'm not close to setting anything up, I was just reading the manual and came across that quote. The quote didn't explain what it was for, it just said ‘NOTE*’

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by HAMP

So this is a dipole config?

“When using 2 pairs of RX-FX in a 7.1 system, you need to use the Right speaker for the rear surround left and the Left speaker for the rear surround right.
This is because of the tweeter phasing”

But if I want the bipole set-up, there is no special wiring? Just connect as normal, but with the switch on the speaker set to bipole.

Seems like bipole is better, but that would depend on the listener.

I'm not close to setting anything up, I was just reading the manual and came across that quote. The quote didn't explain what it was for, it just said ‘NOTE*’

Check the thread I mentioned. At the end of post #1, I have summarized the differences. In general, bipoles are more flexible to set up and place. They also have better bass response.

[HAMP]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

Check the thread I mentioned. At the end of post #1, I have summarized the differences. In general, bipoles are more flexible to set up and place. They also have better bass response.

I was reading it as you were typing and from what I read it sounds like I would like dipole better, because of the wider sound field.

I still don't understand how to connect the wires. Are the positive from the receiver going to the speaker or are speakers connect together in a certain config(like a daisy chain)

Looking at the pic, I am also wondering what does the (+) mean on each speaker.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by HAMP

I was reading it as you were typing and from what I read it sounds like I would like dipole better, because of the wider sound field.

I still don't understand how to connect the wires. Are the positive from the receiver going to the speaker or are speakers connect together in a certain config(like a daisy chain)

Looking at the pic, I am also wondering what does the (+) mean on each speaker.

In my experience, bipole front or surround speakers fill the room more and don't really have a sweet spot. Dipole speaker are great, if you happen to sit in their null spot. Some believe that dipole surrounds belonged to the matrixed era of Dolby Pro Logic. In your case, place them as the manual suggested and experiment with both configurations.

A 7.1 receiver should have 7 sets of speaker terminals. Connect the surround speakers exactly like your front speakers. You change the position of the dipole speakers and not the wiring.

[HAMP]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

A 7.1 receiver should have 7 sets of speaker terminals. Connect the surround speakers exactly like your front speakers. You change the position of the dipole speakers and not the wiring.

So the connection is normal, it's just the placement of the speaker is different? Such as (left on the right) & (right on the left) or (right on the rear surround left) & (Left on the rear surround right).

Geeez, I can’t wait to connect this stuff to hear the difference. I would assume how the room is laid out would make a big difference also.

In the manual it says to make sure the wires are not connected when switching from bi-pole to di-pole. Why is that if the wires are connected the same way?

[HAMP]

From what I see and read in the manual, They prefer you to use di-pole if you have (4) of the same RX-FX, but to use bi-pole if you only have (2) of the RX-FX

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by HAMP

So the connection is normal, it's just the placement of the speaker is different? Such as (left on the right) & (right on the left) or (right on the rear surround left) & (Left on the rear surround right).

Geeez, I can’t wait to connect this stuff to hear the difference. I would assume how the room is laid out would make a big difference also.

In the manual it says to make sure the wires are not connected when switching from bi-pole to di-pole. Why is that if the wires are connected the same way?

They are probably afraid of popping noises and damage to the speakers. I assume if the receiver is off, you should be ok. You probably don't need to disconnct the wires.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by HAMP

From what I see and read in the manual, They prefer you to use di-pole if you have (4) of the same RX-FX, but to use bi-pole if you only have (2) of the RX-FX

Usually, bipole speakers are installed on the side walls behind the listener. They are sometimes installed on the rear wall. In a small room, if you are using bipole speakers, your really don't need a 7.1 setup. A 5.1 speaker setup is more than enough.

Don't listen to the manufacturers too much. Experiment for yourself and learn. I have two center speakers, 4 bipole side surrounds, two rear speakers, and 4 external subwoofers. The rear speakers have 9 drivers each shooting into the rear wall. In addition, my two front speakers are also bipole. They have an MTM driver setup in the front and another MTM setup in the back that are connected in-phase to the front drivers. On their side, ech one has a 15" powered (300 watt) subwoofer. Any position in my HT room is the sweet spot.

[HAMP]

Thanks and now I think I understand. I recognize the left and right handed speaker difference. I was thinking put any on the left and any on the right, but that isn't correct. They are marked as left and right. I guess that has something to do with the phase of the tweeter.

[DonRSD]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

Usually, bipole speakers are installed on the side walls behind the listener. They are sometimes installed on the rear wall. In a small room, if you are using bipole speakers, your really don't need a 7.1 setup. A 5.1 speaker setup is more than enough.

Don't listen to the manufacturers too much. Experiment for yourself and learn. I have two center speakers, 4 bipole side surrounds, two rear speakers, and 4 external subwoofers. The rear speakers have 9 drivers each shooting into the rear wall. In addition, my two front speakers are also bipole. They have an MTM driver setup in the front and another MTM setup in the back that are connected in-phase to the front drivers. On their side, ech one has a 15" powered (300 watt) subwoofer. Any position in my HT room is the sweet spot.

sheesh.....post some more pics