Dipole speakers vs normal BS for surround

[Imrahn]

I currently have a pair of Wharf 9.1 as my surrounds in my 5.1 setup.Is it worthwhile to replace these with a pair of proper surrounds(dipole/bipole)?? Is anyone else using normal BS speakers for surround like me or even better, has anyone made the switch and 'felt' the upgrade?

My main areas of interest are Bluray movie playback and gaming.

Thanx in advance for any help in this matter....

Regards

Imrahn

 

[venkatcr]

An ordinary bookshelf has a narrow coverage area and restricts where you sit. A dipole fires in two directions giving you flexibility on seating. That is the main difference.

Cheers

 

[Imrahn]

Yup, thats how they work in theory....but is the difference with respect to a normal BS in a stand pointing at you, in terms of soundstage/spaciousness 'noticeable' right away?

 

[venkatcr]

You have to understand one thing. 80% of a 5.1/7.1 audio comes from your front three speakers. The surround only act to add to the ambiance. So worrying about soundstage etc., for surround speakers is a waste of time. I have Wharfedale DFS, and they are perfect for my HT system. I needed the DFS to give me flexibility in seating. The other day I heard the DFS through a 5.1 SACD of Vivaldi and they sounded superb. I am quite sure they can perform as well as 9.1s/9.2s for surround sound tasks.

Cheers

 

[ranojoy]

I am using a pair of 9.0s wall mounted about 8 feet high and angled downward and forward exactly towards my seating position. My seating position is pretty much fixed and placement of the mic for Audyssey setup was done with that in mind. Due to the relatively small sweet spot of my seating zone, the speakers are (I think) pretty effective.