Bipolar vs. Planar

[photoeye]

Hi,

I've heard Vandersteen 2c's recently and they produce an amazingly wide sound stage. Does anyone know how these bipolars compare to Magnapan's planer speakers like the MMG?

Can Def. Tech's produce that same kind of sound stage as the Vandersteens?

thanks.

 

[AJinFLA]

The Vandersteen 2c is not bipolar, it's a monopole. Def Tech does make some bipolar models. The Maggies are dipoles.
The spatial reproduction produced by each different type, depends upon the room and the speakers placement within the room. The answer then become more complex. The bipole and dipole have the potential (based on placement) to have a larger and especially deeper presentation due to added, delayed reverberation. If the delay is sufficient, it will be perceived as spaciousness. A good guide can be found on Linkwitz's website:

linkwitzlab.com/rooms.htm#D

cheers,

AJ

(sorry, unable to post a direct link until after 5 posts)

 

[CraigV]

Bear in mind though that planar speakers tend to be very directional, and placement as well as room treatment comes into play more than with it does with more conventional speakers.

 

[AJinFLA]

If the planar driver(s) are operated as a dipole, yes, they will be more directional (including nulls towards the side walls) and radiate less power into the room. So, properly placed they should require less (in any) room treatments.
Like Linkwitz, the only room treatment in my room is the furnishings (unless you consider vertical blinds as treatment).
Oh yeah, I do "treat" myself to some refreshments in room, once in a while.

cheers,

AJ

 

[photoeye]

very informative, especially the link. in general planars would require larger rooms and further away from rear/side wallls? I plan to try a pair of MMG's.

thx!

 

[Deadeye]

Try em! You've got nothing to loose. If you don't like em send em back. They are kind of bass shy. They need a subwoofer much more than the other larger models.

 

[lsiberian]

I can't resist the humor in this title.

Are you crazy or just flat?

 

[JJMP50]

My ex-wife was Bipolar....sorry, couldn't resist.