change 7.2 to a 5.2 system w/ dipole

[gholt]

I have a 7.2 RBH system that I am considering getting 2 dipole speakers to replace the 4 surround speakers with 2 dipoles. Right now I have 4 of the RBH 61SE bookshelf speakers on stands, but I think I either need to build shelves for the speakers as two of the stands have been knocked over on more than one occassion.

I was just wondering what the folks out there who have the dipole speakers think of using them as surrounds, or if it would be better to stick with the bookshelf speakers for surrounds.

 

[TheWarrior]

Time to evaluate your space, do you really have enough room for the 7 channels to be most effective? If the space allows, you can put two on shelves that are far enough from your ears to provide the depth those speakers are known for. Oh, and it'll save ya the cash on buying new speakers.

And you can PM me as I might be interested in taking them off your hands if they are no longer needed!

 

[j_garcia]

I went from a 6.1 setup to a 5.1 setup and didn't miss the rear center at all, both setups in large rooms with plenty of room behind to have the rears properly configured. If I were in your shoes, I'd start with the shelves and try out one pair of the current speakers and see how you like it. I personally prefer monopole surrounds, but I do a lot of multichannel music.

 

[markw]

Between what I think your question is and the two answers, I'm kinda confused. I read that you want to go from 7.1 to 5.1 by removing your rear surrounds. I'll just babble on with my thoughts.

By going to a 5.1 system, your current speakers will work well on the side walls, slightly behind the main seating area (couch). They should be a couple of feet above the sitting position and face outwards or slightly forward.

Shelves are good. Very good.

Bipole/dipole speakers will go well in that same position.

Just a thought: Since you already have them, you could mount TWO of the speakers, back to back, on one shelf. Connecting them in series will double the impedance (a safe bet) but connecting them in parallel will half the impedance (check to see how well your amp handles this first)

You can make DIpolar by connecting them OUT OF phase.
You can make them BIpolar by connecting them IN phase.

Generally, dipole speakers are preferred for movies but there's no law that says you can't use bipole speakers. Heck, you can switch 'em around to see what you prefer.

Remember, aside from the shelves, this is a no-cost option.

Here's A better explanation than I gave you.

 

[gholt]

Just to clarify. I like the 7.1, but with all the accidents that have happend with the speakers on stands, I thought it may be good to go to the 5.1 with di / bi pole speakers, and either sell or use my current surrounds.

I never thought of using my bookshelf speakers and make them a quasi di bi/ pole speaker on a shelf. Heck i'm only out the shelf.

This is a great idea, but how would it sound if I kept it as a 7.1 surrond and put them on a shelf like you suggest?

Would it sound OK?

I guess I can try it and see what heppens. I think my wife would thank you as well for saving her some $$$.

 

[markw]

Surround speakers, high up on shelves, sound better than when on a stand by virtue of the height alone

 

[j_garcia]

Surround speakers, high up on shelves, sound better than when on a stand by virtue of the height alone

That is not true. If you have identical speakers (not a requirement) and enough room to place them a decent distance from the listener, at ear level (or same as the mains) works just fine for all forms of surround and to my ears, is preferred for multichannel music.

You can definitely try hooking up the surrounds in a bi/dipole configuration as Mark suggests and see how it works on a shelf. Won't hurt to try it.

 

[markw]

That is not true. If you have identical speakers (not a requirement) and enough room to place them a decent distance from the listener, at ear level (or same as the mains) works just fine for all forms of surround and to my ears, is preferred for multichannel music.

Given a large enough room, ear-level monopoles work great for music. A point surce is preferred in that application.

For HT purposes, I still prefer di/bipole mounted above ear level for the ambiance effect.

But, there's enough room in this hobby for personal preferences.