Speaker question for 5.1 and possible 6.1 surround in the future... (1 Viewer)

[Matt Daeo]

Currently I'm only planning on going with 5.1. My question is whether I should use bipole speakers for my rears or go with directs.

I may add a rear center channel in the future and don't want to choose hastily. Will the bipolar design conflict with this if I should choose to add the rear center? I'll be using my speakers mostly for HT(85% of the time).

Also any recommendations as to which brands are the best would be appreciated. Def Tech or PSB are the ones I'm leaning towards right now.

Thanks...

 

[John Garcia]

What about 7.1?
Note: Bi/dipoles should be mounted just to either side of, and about 2-3 above, the listener for the proper effect.
If you use bi/dipoles for surrounds in a 5.1 setup, there should be no issue with just adding a rear center for 6.1. For 7.1, you could go with two monopoles or two more bi/dipoles.
What are your mains now. I would lean towards speakers that are similar to what you already have.

 

[Matt Daeo]

Upgrading to a 7.1 is always a possiblity. But for right now 5.1-6.1 will have to do.
I have Infinity IL40s for my fronts, an Infinity IL36 for my center channel, and A SVS pc+ 20-39 for my sub.
I can't really place my rears any lower than 7-8 feet above me because of wall placement. Would the di/bipoles sound bad at this height? I'm really not sure which speaker type to choose as I don't have a real on hand experience as to what sound better where. Help...

 

[Matt Daeo]

Bump for more suggestions...

 

[Mike Sloan]

I have he Definitive Tech. BPX bipoles mounted about 2.5 feet above head level in the back for the rear center and they are fantastic. They present a very large sound stage! After listening to them I will never go Di-pole again! The rear/side surrounds do sound a lot better if placed on the sides. It gives you a much better sound field for 6.1..however in one of our rooms I had to go with all the speakers against the rear wall (Rear R,L and Rear Center) and the BI-pole design of the BPX's helped in this situation,as well! If you can swing it...go with the BPVX...and stay away from the Powered version.

Mike