bipole/dipole and HD audio

[reyz]

I have a question after reading the sticky on bipole/dipole speakers...

With the latest HD audio codecs such as DTS-HD MA and Dolby TrueHD, will direct radiating speakers for surround and rear surrounds be more than sufficient? Or will bipole/dipole speakers still have an advantage in overall audio if used?

bipole/dipole speakers are usually a step up in price compared to direct-radiating and pretty much limited in terms of variability of usage?

[kpkelley]

Bipole/Dipole surrounds are better at creating ambient noise and an enveloping surround field. Direct radiating surrounds are best at localizing surround effects to provide a more realistic sense of motion or location of a specific sound.

The question comes down to what do you prefer Personally I like Bipole/Dipole surrounds better.

[talstarone]

I agree as to the fact it comes down to the listeners preference.
I have (4) Direct Radiating Speakers as surrounds now.They work well as surrounds,and in certain scenes are extremely effective.

However I do have a pair of Bipoles on the way.They should be better with ambient noises and giving you the feeling of being in the club or outside during the Thunderstorm/Rain Shower.

So each performs certain types of surround sounds better.It just is a matter of what works better for each listener.
I am thinking if I have two direct radiating surrounds and two bipolar surrounds,perhaps I can get the best of both worlds.

[Yeha-Noha]

For a few years, I used direct radiating speakers from Energy and Tannoy for my surrounds in a 7.1 system.

Late last year, Energy bipoles went on sale for around half price. I replaced the side surrounds with a pair, and mounted them on the side walls about 6 feet from the floor as recommended by Energy. The difference in the sound was immediately apparent. Not only did I hear more ambiance, but also sound effects sounded more realistic. My family was impressed as was I. I wasted no time ordering another pair for the back surrounds.

[talstarone]

Originally Posted by rwojtalewicz

For a few years, I used direct radiating speakers from Energy and Tannoy for my surrounds in a 7.1 system.

Late last year, Energy bipoles went on sale for around half price. I replaced the side surrounds with a pair, and mounted them on the side walls about 6 feet from the floor as recommended by Energy. The difference in the sound was immediately apparent. Not only did I hear more ambiance, but also sound effects sounded more realistic. My family was impressed as was I. I wasted no time ordering another pair for the back surrounds.

Sounds as if there is a Very Good Chance that I will be ordering some more Bipole/Dipole Surround Speakers for my system once I hear the Bipolars I have on the way(if they ever make it here).

I am honestly starting to believe that spending money on my Home Theater will NEVEER end.But to be 100% honest,I really enjoy it.

[Steve]

Originally Posted by rwojtalewicz

For a few years, I used direct radiating speakers from Energy and Tannoy for my surrounds in a 7.1 system.

Late last year, Energy bipoles went on sale for around half price. I replaced the side surrounds with a pair, and mounted them on the side walls about 6 feet from the floor as recommended by Energy. The difference in the sound was immediately apparent. Not only did I hear more ambiance, but also sound effects sounded more realistic. My family was impressed as was I. I wasted no time ordering another pair for the back surrounds.

Did you also think it was an improvement having bipoles for the back surrounds? IIRC the recommendations are to use monopoles in those positions, but it seems many people are very happy with bipoles in the back.

[Yeha-Noha]

Originally Posted by fireman325

Did you also think it was an improvement having bipoles for the back surrounds? IIRC the recommendations are to use monopoles in those positions, but it seems many people are very happy with bipoles in the back.

It really seems to depend on the movie. But, it wasn't as dramatic as it was with the side bipole surrounds. To me, the overall sound seems to be more lifelike than it did with the monopoles. It is more spacious, like being in a larger auditorium. That is my subjective opinion anyway.

Besides the sound, I really like the way the C-R100s look. Those are designed for wall mounting and look ten times better the the bulkier C-100s mounted on the wall. Because the C-R100s are smaller, their 'footprint' is smaller thus don't stand out as much. Yet, their low frequency response is quite impressive and rivals the C-100's.

Yes, I am one of those who are happy with bipoles in the back.

[Steve]

Originally Posted by rwojtalewicz

It really seems to depend on the movie. But, it wasn't as dramatic as it was with the side bipole surrounds. To me, the overall sound seems to be more lifelike than it did with the monopoles. It is more spacious, like being in a larger auditorium. That is my subjective opinion anyway.

Besides the sound, I really like the way the C-R100s look. Those are designed for wall mounting and look ten times better the the bulkier C-100s mounted on the wall. Because the C-R100s are smaller, their 'footprint' is smaller thus don't stand out as much. Yet, their low frequency response is quite impressive and rivals the C-100's.

Yes, I am one of those who are happy with bipoles in the back.

Thanks for the response, and you definitely answered my question. One of the most frequent complaints I've seen against monopoles in the back surround positions (besides the size) is that they were to easy to pinpoint their exact location just by hearing them. You mention that the sound is "more spacious" with the bipoles, so I can only assume this isn't an issue with them.

[DonRSD]

my polk fxi3 bipole/dipoles arrive tomorrow

[Yeha-Noha]

Congrats Don! Those are fantastic bipole/dipole speakers. They should perform extremely well with the option to use them in either mode.

Where did you buy them? My son has Polk speakers. I just tried googling around for some dealers so I could tell him about them. The ones I visited were out of stock. Some stated that it was discontinued.

[DonRSD]

Originally Posted by rwojtalewicz

Congrats Don! Those are fantastic bipole/dipole speakers. They should perform extremely well with the option to use them in either mode.

Where did you buy them? My son has Polk speakers. I just tried googling around for some dealers so I could tell him about them. The ones I visited were out of stock. Some stated that it was discontinued.

http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Polk-Aud...__W0QQ_armrsZ1

[Hammie]

Originally Posted by rwojtalewicz

Congrats Don! Those are fantastic bipole/dipole speakers. They should perform extremely well with the option to use them in either mode.

Where did you buy them? My son has Polk speakers. I just tried googling around for some dealers so I could tell him about them. The ones I visited were out of stock. Some stated that it was discontinued.

Originally Posted by DonRSD

http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Polk-Aud...__W0QQ_armrsZ1

The FXI A4 and FXi A6 are the replacement models for the FXi3 and FXi5 models.

They can be purchased through Amazon.com, Crutchfield, J&R, etc.

[Yeha-Noha]

Thanks Don and Lou for those links.