hey all,
right now in my setup i am using large (12") front speakers, and more mid-size surrounds and center(6").
i am thinking of going with a dvd-a player, but i have seen write-ups that say you need 5 almost identical speakers for the best sound. i have thought about using dipole for better rear imaging when watching movies. i wonder how this would affect the sound of dvd-a.
thanks

DVD-a....guess I'm not familiar with that.

But you get better imaging from any sound system if you use 5 identical units for each position. Also, I think the status quo today would say that directional rear speakers are the way to go with Dolby Digital and DTS sound.

Although I must say, 5 identical speakers are NOT necessary for good sound!!

Matt: from what I've been reading, recommendations seem to be to use di-poles for surrounds... ... Mike

It all depends on what kind of imaging you like in the rear. Myself, I like things very precise that's whay I went with directional speakers. I think that di-poles diffues the sound field too much.
DVD-A is the new DVD-Audio.

Gentlemen: I watched Gladiator again on the weekend, this time in DTS-ES surround with 7 speakers and a sub, on an Onkyo 989. Talk about directional... arrows went through me, gladiatorial bashing-balls swung around and around the room, fireballs exploded everywhere, swords were unsheathed and limbs lopped off beside my ears.

This is with two pairs of Klipsh Synergy surrounds, which have front-and-rear (or left-and-right) facing cones. I think they're bi-poles, though, not di-poles. Anyone know for sure? ... Mike

I have Cambridge surrounds; they have a switch for dipole, bipole or direct radiation. Pro Logic or simple Surround usually sound better in Dipole or Bipole. Good 5.1 material shines with the direct mode.

d- The diferences in the way voices sound in diferent speakers can be distracting. In soundtracks these days people move all around the sound stage. Now you have dialog coming from all around you instead of from just your center channel speaker. This however might not bother you at all. If it were me I'd stick with speakers with the same tweater in the front and center. Match them all up if you want. I listen to alot of music so I wanted full range speakers for the front L&R. Then got a center to match them. I have Energy RVSS in the rear. They are kinda both bi @ di polar. follow the link for more info. As for DVD audio I think it's still too early in the game to see whats coming from this format. Most of what I have heard so far has been in two channel anyway. Hope this helped---Dave.

[Link: energy-speakers.com]

I agree with the statement 'to diffuse'

The whole concept of dolby digital is pinpoint localization. Dipole is good for pro logic but not really 5.1.

I think the 360 degree soundfield of DTS and Dolby digital require direct radiating speakers.

"Gladiatorial bashing-balls swung around and around the room, fireballs exploded everywhere, swords were unsheathed" ... Mike... is there a little somthing you'ld like to tell us about your lifestyle? And no we won't hold it against you. lol.. What's up guy... I've been away.

Hey, Jay! You certainly have been away! Good to hear from you.. I did see a brief post elsewhere with your mighty signature on it a couple of days ago... .

For a straight guy, what do you make of all this "bi" talk? (Of course, the way you interpreted my last post, I'm not so sure now... ;-) ).

Seriously: From these (apparently) bi-polar surrounds, I got what I consider to be pretty decent "localization" and "generalization". I know that di-polars put the twin cones out-of-phase to produce their particular thing, but I've never had the opportunity to compare the two types of speaker. ... Mike the BallSwinger. Unsheathed.

Dear Ball Swinger, hahaha... Honestly.. I can only say I love damn near any format when it's used with a quality system in a room well suited for the equipment. I've listed to age old Pro Logic systems whail in some rooms where otherwise they migh not sound as well. And I've listened to poorly put together so called THX systems... It's abouth the equipment as much as the placement and the room in many cases... BUT >> BUT.. ^^ BUT!!! I do like very directional surrounds... then again... I LOVE a Great THX system!.. Is this clear? It must be clear. BTW.. the Best musit reproduction I've heard was in a custom listening room with awsome custom built.. etc.. STEREO spreaker... or would that be 2.0..... This is much to deep for right now.. what time is it?? Are you Going to Cedia in Indy in Sept.?

Jay, once again, you've hit the nail on the head. If it sounds good, it's good!

You work too hard. You should get online while you're still awake! ... Mike