A Guide to Bipolar, Dipolar, & Direct-Radiating Monopole Surround Speakers (PART I)

[Big Daddy]

It is highly recommended that you also read https://forum.blu-ray.com/speakers/1...s-part-ii.html.

OFF-AXIS RESPONSE OF SOUND WAVES

The following diagram demonstrates that high frequency sound waves have a narrower off-axis response and the low frequency sound waves have a much wider off-axis response. That is why when you stand to one side or behind a subwoofer, you still hear bass frequencies like you were in front, but will not hear midrange or higher frequencies.

Off-Axis Radiation

It is said that the higher frequencies sound waves behave like headlights or flashlights and low frequency sound waves behave like ripples of water waves in a pool. This is why tweeters are shaped like domes. A curved diaphragm pushes high frequency sound waves in a way that aides dispersion.

INTERFERENCE OF SOUND WAVES

Interference usually refers to the interaction of waves with each other, When similar independent waves are combined, the result can be either constructive or destructive interference, depending on whether the waves are in phase or out of phase. This interference occurs when the waves have the same or nearly the same frequency. Constructive interference will enhance sound. Destructive interference will weaken sound. If two identical waves are 180 degrees out of phase, they will cancel out. Whether the interference is constructive or destructive, the individual waves continue to exist separately. The interference itself is merely the effect of the waves together at one point in space.

Source: Headwize.com


Two waves in phase and two waves 180° out of phase.
Source: Wikipedia

The animation in the following demonstrates two waves traveling in the same direction. The phase difference between the two waves varies with time so that we see constructive interference when maximum points are aligned (peak) and destructive interference when minimum and maximum points are aligned (null).

Animation courtesy of Dr. Dan Russell, Kettering University

THREE TYPES OF SPEAKERS

The direction that speakers radiate their sound depends on how the drivers are lined up in the enclosure, and also whether there are drivers or ports on the back of the speaker. If all the speakers are on the front, this would be called Monopole. If there are speakers on the front and back, and they are in phase (both speaker cones moving away from the magnet), this is called Bipolar, whereas if the cones are out of phase (one cone moving in towards the magnet, while the other cone is moving outwards, away from the magnet), the speaker design is called Dipolar.

Monopole Speaker
Monopole speakers consist of a driver or a group of drivers in the speaker cabinet all firing on the same plane in the same direction. A conventional sealed box speaker pushes a small cone back and forth against the air and creates sound. You can see that for a box speaker most of the sound goes one direction (monopole) and that the box construction plays an important part of how this makes sound.

Conventional Box (Monopole)
Source: Integracoustics.com

Bipolar Speaker
Another way to create sound waves is by a bipolar arrangement, where the front and back speakers work against each other (in phase). Bipolar speakers are made by mounting in-phase monopoles on opposite sides of a box as a way of creating omnidirectional radiation patterns. Here is what they look like

Bipolar Speaker
Source: Integracoustics.com and Djsociety.org

Dipolar Speaker
Dipolar speaker arrangement is similar to bipolar. However, the front and the back speakers work in the same direction (out of phase). This can be useful in reducing the stimulation of resonant room modes at low frequencies. It also results in high frequencies being reflected from the rear wall, which can create more diffuse reverberation, though in theory it could reduce stereo localization. Here is how they look

Dipolar Speaker
Source: Integracoustics.com and Djsociety.org

DISPERSION PATTERNS OF THE MAIN DIAPHRAGMS

Direct Radiating (Monopole)
In a direct radiating monopole, a diaphragm compresses the air in front of it and pushes the wave outward. As the wave expands, its energy is distributed, resulting in lower pressure and a reduction in its loudness. This shown in the following diagram (please be patient, the file size of this simulation is 5.6MB and takes a long time to load):

Monopole Dispersion Pattern
Source: Integracoustics.com

Bipolar Speaker Dispersion Pattern
For two sound sources at same frequency, amplitude, and phase, there will be points in space where the overall sound level is high (constructive interference) and other places where the sound level is approximately zero (destructive interference). The constructive interference occurs as their off-axis response (mostly lower frequency waves) reinforce each other. That is why bipolar speakers are known for their strong dispersion.

Bipole Dispersion Pattern
Source: Wikipedia and Integracoustics.com

Dipolar Speaker Dispersion Pattern
The radiation pattern of a dipole is demonstrated in the following diagram. The left waves are equal and opposite to the waves on the right. Because they are firing out of phase, they cancel each other where these waves are superimposed off-axis (top and bottom, mostly lower frequency waves). This is called destructive interference and creates a figure 8 pattern. Dipole speakers are known to have weaker bass response.

Dipole Dispersion Pattern
Source: Integracoustics.com

Comparison of the Dispersion Patterns

Source: Integracoustics.com

In the above diagram, note that the bipole field shows a larger off-axis response (the middle part of the center diagram) compared to the monopole. This is because the drivers in the front and rear are in-phase, which constructively reinforce the sound waves.

Dipole speaker arrangement, however, exhibits a smaller off-axis response (middle part of the diagram on the right) compared to the monopole. This is because a dipole arrangement has out-of-phase drivers which behave in a destructive manner and cancel the sound waves with the same frequency.

REFLECTION FROM THE BOUNDARIES

Reflection from the Back Wall for Bipolar Speaker
The following diagrams demonstrate two waves when the speaker drivers are operating in phase. The reflection form the rear driver can interfere with the wave coming from the front driver and create constructive reinforcement (called lobing, light areas) or destructive interference (called null, dark areas).

2 Dimensional and 3 Dimensional
Source: Integracoustics.com

Reflections from the Back Wall for Dipolar Speaker
When the back-wave starts off from the rear of the speaker and reflects off the back-wall and travels back to the speaker where it recombines with the new wave just being started from the front driver. Because of timing difference, at some frequencies the two waves destroy each other and at other times they reinforce one another. This effect is called comb filtering A comb filter adds a delayed version of a signal to itself, causing constructive and destructive interference. Some dipolar users treat the back-wall with absorbent material that absorbs all frequencies except the long bass frequencies. That is one way to prevent comb filtering. Another way is to turn the dipolar speakers inward so that they are not parallel to the rear wall.

FRONT SPEAKERS SETUP

For front speakers, put the speakers at least 2-3 feet (approx. 1 meter) away from the front and side walls.

• The distance between the two speakers should be between 6 to 10 feet (2 to 3 meters).
• The distance between your main listening chair and the distance between the two speakers should be approximately the same. They should form approximately an equilateral triangle.

• The tweeters should be about the same level as your ears when you are seated. For smaller speakers, use a stand. Slight tilting backward or forward of the speakers until the tweeters point toward your head may also work.
• You can slightly angle (toe-in) the speakers toward the listening chair. You can use a string or laser pointer to make sure both speakers are angled exactly the same. Angling the speakers toward the center of the listening position will make the sound brighter, clearer, with a sharper focus, and a more solid central image. Pointing the speakers straight forward, parallel with each other, will result in a warmer less sharply focused sound. Angling the speakers too much may have two disadvantages:
  1. It may ruin the sound stage.
  2. It will not be very effective for others who may be sitting elsewhere in the room. Don't be selfish.

Play a CD with good soundstaging and a singer in the middle.

• If the soundstage is good and wide but the center stage is blurred, move the speakers closer together.
• If the center stage is focused and sounds great, but the soundstage isn't very wide, angle the speakers away from the listening position a little at a time until the soundstage becomes wider without losing the center stage.
• Many speakers may sound better if they are pointed at your shoulders rather than directly at your head.
• Always use a string or laser pointer to make sure both speakers are angled the same way.
• Don't be afraid to experiment. Rooms are not the same and interaction with room boundaries, furniture, carpets, etc. play an important role in the sound that you hear.
• Many experts believe that in a small home theater room, you hear the room and not the speakers. It is highly recommended that you use room treatment.

DIPOLAR & BIPOLAR SURROUND SPEAKERS SETUP

Dipole speakers are designed to have a null area in front of them and the listener is intended to sit within that null for the proper ambient effect. When you sit in the null area, you will get a diffuse sound that is more appropriate for surround speakers. Bipole speakers, on the other hand, have no null area, and are much more flexible in their placement. They can be installed on the side walls or on the back wall with excellent results.

Normally, surround speakers are placed at or above ear level. However, for movies, installing them 2ft to 3 ft above ear level is preferred. In a 5.1 setup, you have three options for installing bipolar speakers:

1. On the side walls, above and behind ear level.
2. Hung from the ceiling, above and behind ear level.
3. The rear wall, above ear level.

When doing 7.1, two bipole speakers can go on the side walls or hung from the ceiling, above and behind ear level. The additional bipole surround speakers are placed behind the listener on the rear wall or hung from the ceiling, again above ear level.

In a 5.1 setup, dipolar speakers are installed on the side walls or hung from the ceiling on the same line as the listener (the null area faces the listener). In a 7.1 setup, dipolar speakers can be used. However, care must be taken to position them properly (see the section below).

All diagrams are created by Big Daddy

In case you have a wall on one side and the other side is open, you can attach one surround speaker to the wall and attach the other one to the ceilining with a chain or with a bracket. Alternatively, you can put that speaker on a tall stand. Make sure the heights and distances are the same.

http://nsmt-loudspeakers.com/nsm-bro...ers-manual.pdf

Dipolar Surround Speakers in a 7.1 Setup

Dipole surround speakers are typically labeled Left and Right so that, when you place them on the sides, the in-phase drivers are pointing towards the front of the room. This allows them to be in phase with your front speakers and avoid cancellation problems that can occur when out of phase drivers are facing each other.

If, in a 7.x setup, you decide to use another pair of dipole surround speakers in the rear, you will have to place the left speaker on the right side and the right speaker on the left side as in the diagram below. This is to avoid cancellation problem when the speakers are out of phase. If you decide to use direct radiating speakers or bipole speakers in the rear, you will not need any special consideration.

For dipole speakers, if there are arrows on the speakers they should face the front of the room for the side speakers, and toward the center of the wall for the rear speakers.

DIRECT-RADIATING MONOPOLE SURROUND SPEAKERS SETUP

When you use direct-radiating monopole speakers as rear or side surround speakers, they can may be placed on the side or behind the listeners. When used on the sides close to the listeners, make sure they are not ahead of the listening position and they are not directly aimed at their heads (Fig. A). If positioned several feet behind the listening position, experiment with speaker aiming (Fig. B).

Different Options for Direct-Radiating Monopole Surround Speakers

KEY CONSIDERATION WHEN CHOOSING DIRECT OR BIPOLE/DIPOLE SURROUND SPEAKERS

Arguments will vary from person to person, based upon the preference of the individual.

Movies:

• The surround speakers should not distract your attention away from the movie.
• They should help to draw you into the film. This is what surround speakers should do.
• Surround speakers are intended to reproduce ambient effects like explosions, gunfights, the hum of a spaceship, or crickets at night so they sound like they are coming from everywhere in the room — not just where your speakers are located.
• Bipoles/Dipoles have a bigger surround sweet spot than direct radiating surrounds have.
• Bipoles /Dipoles are a closer match to the surround speaker arrays found in movie theaters.

Music:

• With stereo music, you are essentially creating images in space with two speakers.
• You can move instruments around in space, and expect the listener to perceive more than two speakers.
• Add two more speakers in the rear and you now create the ability to pinpoint the source of the music between all four speakers, so in theory you can place an instrument anywhere in 360 degrees around your head.
• By introducing dipoles/bipoles, you destroy that image. You are more at the mercy of the room. The room will most certainly color the sound and add its own signature.
• Some may actually like this effect, but the music is less accurate. Your room's acoustics will affect bipole/dipole designs more than conventional direct-radiating.
• Direct-radiating (monopole) models send sound directly toward the listeners’ ears.

Conventional direct-radiating monopole speakers place the listeners in a sound field in which the direct sound is more prominent. It is possible that the majority of people find stereo to be more attractive if the room reflections are strong. The sound tends to be open and spacious, with a good sense of depth like a real live concert. It has the advantage of making stereo listening region more enlarged. However, the specific images can be rather vague.

On the other hand, there are some listeners who do not like this kind of music reproduction, and prefer to have a very specific, almost pinpoint, sense of image position. Many recording engineers prefer this because they need to be able to hear, very precisely, the results of their manipulations. As a result, recording studios are often acoustically rather dead, and the loudspeakers are directional and identical. They use identical speakers so that they are perfectly timbre matched so that the sound is not affected by the differences between the speakers. However, these same people usually prefer the more spacious sound field at home.

SUMMARY

Advantages of Bipole Speakers

• The bipolar speakers are wired in phase and push out more air, resulting in a bit more bass.
• Bipolar speakers can be used as the main speakers.
• This design allows a bipolar speaker to provide the best of both worlds: a direct-speaker’s clarity and focus, and a dipole’s spaciousness.
• Bipolar speakers work in roughly the same way as direct-radiating speakers. They feature two sets of drivers pointed in different directions and wired in-phase, both pushing and pulling air at the same time. That gets sound moving toward the walls, ceiling, furniture, etc., introducing more sonic energy in more directions than you would with a direct-radiating speaker. In other words, you will got more sound coming at you from more directions. However, most of the sound is coming from the speakers themselves.
• Bipolar surround speakers use speaker drivers aimed towards the front and back of the room to achieve a diffuse sound-field like that created by the multiple surround speakers in movie theaters.
• Your room’s acoustics will affect these designs more than conventional direct-radiating speakers.

Disadvantages of Bipole Speakers

• Bipolar speakers are affected by your room’s acoustics more than conventional direct-radiating speakers. You are at the mercy of the room. Some may actually like this effect, but it is less accurate.
• Some argue that the midrange response of bipolar speakers are not as good, particularly as the main speakers. It is probably more suitable for surrounds.
• Bipole speakers do not have the sound-field of the dipole (not as open sounding).

Advantages of Dipole Speakers

• Dipolar create a more open space of sound without the listener being able to pinpoint the source of the sound.
• Unlike bipolar speakers, the drivers in dipoles aren’t moving in and out at the same time. One driver pushes air while the other pulls. So when the dipoles are placed properly, at 90° from the screen, directly to the left and right of the listener, they create a null zone—an area in which the sound coming from each speaker effectively cancels itself out, usually in the off-axis middle area facing the listener. The sound coming straight toward the listener’s ears is effectively dampened, and instead the listener hears virtually nothing but reflections from the room boundaries. So instead of perceiving sounds as coming from the speaker itself, the result is a diffuse sound-field.
• This design offers a more diffuse, spacious sound than a direct-radiating model. This is what surround speakers should do, after all. They are intended to reproduce ambient effects.
• Dipolar models are favored for THX-certified designs specifically because of their diffuse sound, which more accurately resembles what you would hear in a real movie theater.
• According to Dolby Laboratories: “Surround speaker placement, room acoustics, and personal preference are as important as the speakers’ radiating characteristic. These factors vary greatly, so Dolby Laboratories cannot recommend a particular speaker for home theater use.”
• Dipoles are a closer match to the surround speaker arrays found in movie theaters.
• Ambience and envelopment are the goals of surround speakers, not the 3D holographic rear stereo images. Dipoles do a better job at envelopment due to the sound being directed away from the listener. Having the forward and backwards firing sounds out-of-phase makes the speaker harder to pinpoint.
• Dipoles have a bigger surround sweet spot than direct radiating surrounds have.

Disadvantages of Dipole Speakers

• Dipoles are said to provide the most room filling ambient effect, but sacrifice a little bass as the drivers are wired out of phase.
• Some critics claim that dipolar speakers were invented in the old analog and matrixed surround sound days. Nowadays, most digital surround audio codecs are discrete with five or more channels. The diffuse sound-field of dipole speakers destroy this advantage.
• Others claim that dipoles were originally designed to create a diffuse sound-field in rooms that were acoustically treated to duplicate the effect of multiple direct radiating speakers in commercial theaters. However, even in many high-end home theaters, they do not treat the rooms that much. So the advantage of dipoles is limited.

Advantages of Direct-Radiating Monopole Speakers

• Direct-radiating models fire sound directly out toward the listeners’ ears. These are a good all-purpose speakers as their clear, focused dispersion pattern can accurately convey the directional sound effect in soundtracks.
• Conventional direct-firing speakers place the listener in a sound-field in which the direct sound is more prominent.
• Some experts would argue that the use of a monopole, or “direct radiating” surround speakers would provide a more direct sound, which can be of some benefit in listening to multi-channel music.

Disadvantages of Direct-Radiating Monopole Speakers

• Direct-radiating speakers draw attention away from the movies and to the speakers.
• Surround effects lose their three dimensional and diffuse impact with direct speakers.
• Direct-radiating speakers are not quite as good in home theater use. They may be advantageous in music listening.

In most cases, the room you are using will have a direct correlation to the choice of loudspeaker, as a speakers placement is just as important as its makeup or construction.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND REFRENCES

http://www.ecoustics.com/Home/Home_A...les/alpha.html
http://www.educypedia.be/electronics/loudspeakers.htm
http://www.headwize.com/tech/elemnts_tech.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Destruc...e_interference
http://www.kettering.edu/~drussell/Demos.html
http://www.integracoustics.com/MUG/MUG/articles/planar/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dipole_loudspeaker
http://www.djsociety.org/Speaker_1.htm
http://www.integracoustics.com/MUG/M...icles/sources/
http://www.polkaudio.com/downloads/hthandbook.pdf
http://www.bobgolds.com/DipoleSurrounds/home.htm
http://media-server.amazon.com/media...L000035963.pdf (P. 15)
http://www.bwspeakers.com/downloadfi...DS7_manual.pdf (P.2, Fig. 5)
http://66.218.69.11/search/cache?ei=...icp=1&.intl=us
http://www.harman.com/wp/pdf/HowManyChannels.pdf
http://www.approvedarticles.com/Arti...ed-To-Know/495
http://www.harman.com/wp/pdf/Loudspe...ndRoomsPt1.pdf
http://www.harman.com/wp/pdf/Loudspe...ndRoomsPt2.pdf
http://www.harman.com/wp/pdf/Loudspe...ndRoomsPt3.pdf
http://www.electronichouse.com/artic...dex.php/?cr=on
http://www.audioholics.com/news/on-l...sound-standard
http://www.aesnashville.org/PDFs/Tec...tal%20FAQs.pdf
http://www.hometheatershack.com/foru...ar-better.html
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showt...?postid=445666
http://www.electronichouse.com/artic...rect_speakers/
http://www.buyingloudspeakers.com/Sp...0Enclosure.htm

[Big Daddy]

Check this thread for Alphabetical List of Bipolar and Dipolar Surround Speaker Manufacturers.

[Driver_King]

Excellent job. Automatic sticky.

[cravnsn]

Ah, but what about the "Omnipolar"?

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by cravnsn

Ah, but what about the "Omnipolar"?

It is a good point. I only have so much time. If you provide me with references and some material, I will gladly add them in the future. It will even be better if you write it yourself. I promise I will share all the royalties.

[mdabb]

Great job Big Daddy!!! As always continuing to make this site a better one.

[RUR]

Great thread! Don't forget the potential for comb filtering with dipoles.

For fun with interference patterns using a ripple tank, try this. Change "setup" to two sources (speakers), then dipole and then move the speakers (using your mouse) to the room corners.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by RUR

Great thread! Don't forget the potential for comb filtering with dipoles.

For fun with interference patterns using a ripple tank, try this. Change "setup" to two sources (speakers), then dipole and then move the speakers (using your mouse) to the room corners.

Thank you for the link. It is fun to play with the waves.

[Canada]

I think I can speak for more people than my self when I say I'd be lost with out your informative explanations. All hail Big Daddy!

[Bluray_ne1]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

DIPOLAR & BIPOLAR SETUP

If they are placed behind the seating area, bipolar speakers are best. If the speakers are placed to the sides of the listener, dipolar speakers are the best.

Source: Polk Audio

Dipole surround speakers are typically labeled Left and Right so that, when you place them on the sides, the in-phase drivers are pointing towards the front of the room. This allows them to be in phase with your front speakers and avoid cancellation problems that can occur when out of phase drivers are facing each other.

Excellent thread Big Daddy. Some of it was over my head but I did pick this part up (the pictures helped ).

My question is this. What if my rears aren't bookend "left" and "right" pairs? I have Energy RC-R's and side-by-side, they are exactly the same. The negative (-) terminal is on the same side on both speakers (the side with the dipole/bipole switch, see my gallery pics). It is therefore impossible to "mirror" them with the positive (+) terminal facing forward in a side wall mounting configuration without mounting one of them upside down. They are set to "Dipole" now. If both positive terminals can't face forward, is it better to set them to "Bipole"?

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by Bluray_ne1

My question is this. What if my rears aren't bookend "left" and "right" pairs? I have Energy RC-R's and side-by-side, they are exactly the same. The negative (-) terminal is on the same side on both speakers (the side with the dipole/bipole switch, see my gallery pics). It is therefore impossible to "mirror" them with the positive (+) terminal facing forward in a side wall mounting configuration without mounting one of them upside down. They are set to "Dipole" now. If both positive terminals can't face forward, is it better to set them to "Bipole"?

I am assuming that you have 5 speakers and a subwoofer?

1. If you set the surround speakers to Bipole, make sure you install them to the rear of the main seating position and higher than your head. You don't have to worry about anything else, except calibration of your entire system.
2. If you set the surround speakers to Dipole, make sure you install them approximately on the same line as the main listening position, facing you, and slightly above your head.

I believe you misunderstood what I meant by Positive and Negative. It has nothing to do with + and - on the speaker terminals. I was referring to the direction of the movement of the midrange woofers. When you set your surround speakers to Bipole, the two midrange woofers will move out of phase with one another. This means that when one moves out (+), the other one moves in (-). Make sure the positive sides (woofer moving out) of your surrounds are facing your front speakers and the negative sides (woofer moving in) are facing the rear wall. This way, the front speakers will be in phase with your surround speakers in order to lessen the phase cancelletion problem of out-of-phase sound waves.

[Bluray_ne1]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

I am assuming that you have 5 speakers and a subwoofer?

7.1, but I use direct radiating speakers for surround backs.

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

1. If you set the surround speakers to Bipole, make sure you install them to the rear of the main seating position and higher than your head. You don't have to worry about anything else, except calibration of your entire system.

Unfortunately, I'm unable to mount them at the rear of the room as my main listening position backs up to my kitchen. No where to mount them but the ceiling.

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

2. If you set the surround speakers to Dipole, make sure you install them approximately on the same line as the main listening position, facing you, and slightly above your head.

This is my current arrangement, as shown in the "Dipole" illustration, except that I have no rear wall to bounce sound off of.

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

I believe you misunderstood what I meant by Positive and Negative. It has nothing to do with + and - on the speaker terminals. I was referring to the direction of the movement of the midrange woofers.

This is why I defer to you experts! Thanks for your help.

[ozzman]

Big Daddy
I have Paradigms AdP-170's.
My couch is right against the wall.I have them centered in the room with 3 feet in between them and 2 1/2 from ear level.
I've always questioned if i had them placed right or even to the point of just buy powerful bookshelf's to replace them,what do you think.(Just trying to get it right )


http://reviews.cnet.com/separate-spe...-30112538.html

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by ozzman

Big Daddy
I have Paradigms AdP-170's.
My couch is right against the wall.I have them centered in the room with 3 feet in between them and 2 1/2 from ear level.
I've always questioned if i had them placed right or even to the point of just buy powerful bookshelf's to replace them,what do you think.(Just trying to get it right )

http://reviews.cnet.com/separate-spe...-30112538.html

The couch against the wall is the worst location for listening position as the bass becomes extremely boomy. It also makes it very difficult to position your surround and back channel speakers. It will be beneficial if your surround speakers are slighly behind and above your head.

[ozzman]

C:\Users\Joe\Pictures\9.jpg

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by ozzman

C:\Users\Joe\Pictures\9.jpg

On the Manage Attachments menu, click on upload and make sure the pictures gets uploaded. Then, when you click on the Paper Clip on top menu, you will see the attachment.

[ozzman]

BigDaddy
as you well know my situation.I have to ask.I own a older pair of energy's.I could hang them off the back wall(Tilt them alittle) face the couch .

Replace the Paradigms(ADP-170)till i get more room.Honestly what do you think Or should i leave the speakers were they are for now.

Thanks

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/ele/883627308.html

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by ozzman

BigDaddy
as you well know my situation.I have to ask.I own a older pair of energy's.I could hang them off the back wall(Tilt them alittle) face the couch .

Replace the Paradigms(ADP-170)till i get more room.Honestly what do you think Or should i leave the speakers were they are for now.

Thanks

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/ele/883627308.html

Leave your setup alone until you move to a bigger place. Enjoy your system and don't worry so much about the setup in a small room.

[ozzman]

Leave your setup alone until you move to a bigger place. Enjoy your system and don't worry so much about the setup in a small room.

Thanks buddy

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by Tufelhundin

Anyone have any thoughts for Front Height speakers? Should one want to get direct, di or bi? Does it really matter?

According to Chris Kyriakakis of Audyssey, the wide/height speakers for Audyssey DSX should be direct (not dipole or bipole) and timbre matched with the three front speakers.

http://ask.audyssey.com/entries/98040-speakers-for-dsx

The general idea is to have the DSX Wide and Height speakers match the timbre of your front LCR speakers. Typically this is achieved by using speakers from the same family line as the fronts.

Audyssey DSX Wides and Heights should be direct radiators. Smaller speakers will be fine. Running MultEQ will help bring their response closer to that of the fronts.

For additional information, read post #144 of https://forum.blu-ray.com/audio-theo...io-codecs.html.