Bi-Polar or Direct Radiating for surrounds

[Maximan]

I have a friend who owes me some money.While I really do need the cash he made me an offer Im seriously considering.

I have a Def Tech set-up minus the rears.My friend knows someone with a pair of SM350's that he'll let me have for a 200.00 debt.How do direct radiating speakers work for rears in comparison to actual surround speakers??

I would have them on stands next to my sofa.The way the room is setup the speakers would be less than 3 feet from where someone would be sitting on either side of the sofa.

For those that use D.R. speakers for surrounds,let me know what you think.

 

[chadnliz]

Many use diect radiating instead of Di-pole speakers, some even run these diect speakers out of phase (reverse wires on speakers) to create the Di-pole sound, Di-pole surround speakers are wired out of phase from factory). I own B&W on wall surrounds that with a flick of a switch you can flip them in and out of Di-pole...........I strongly prefer Di-pole sound as it makes them sound much more diffuse and harder to localize, and that makes for the best experience..

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I've used the SM450s for my surrounds. They worked great. It does not matter which type you use for surround speakers. The SM350s would work great. They are 57Hz-20kHz +/-3dB @ 90 dB w/m in anechoic chamber.

 

[MDS]

If the speakers are close to you, you will be able to tell exactly where the sound is coming from if you use monopoles (direct radiating). Bi/Dipoles create a more diffuse sound that is less easily localized.

As usual it is mostly personal preference.