Using Dipole Speakers in a Stereo System

"FWIW, careful set up of well designed conventional speakers in a good room can improves on anything that dipoles can do."

Generalizations may allow one to minimize variables and more easily formulate a conclusion; however, as in life and this hobby, they rarely represent the final word, or conclusion on the subject. This generalization regarding conventional vs. dipolar speakers is no exception.

I've heard outstanding music reproduction from every type of speaker (dipolar, horns, so called conventional and otherwise), amplifier (tube, SS, SET, etc.), turntable (high/low mass, belt and direct drive etc.), DAC (SPIDF, USB, tube, etc.). Not blindly believing that any of these, or for that matter, any type of music reproducing hardware is inherently better than the any other type, is the reason why I frequent this forum.

Do I have my preferences and have I found synergy with the components I own, yes. But do I believe that my way is the right way, or that dipole speakers properly setup sound better than any box speaker, or vice versa, no; and the same applies to every other sort, or type of music reproduction devices that are available.

Broadstone: My dipolar type loudspeakers provide a spectacular center image as well as a great soundstage. As the manufacturer suggested, I have the speakers well out into the room and have installed absorptive panels in back of them to ameliorate the back wave.

However, I suggest that you keep trying different speakers and certainly types -- albeit: open baffle, boxed, panel, horns, etc.) to determine YOUR preferences. If audio retailers in your area are limited, you might consider some road trips, or attending one of the many audio shows that occur annually. While setups during show conditions are obviously not the best, a show's advantage is that it allows you to hear lots of different speaker types which may allow you to more easily hone into the sound that you prefer, or are seeking. It's not really about what my preferences, nor any others on this forum. It's all about your preferences. For the most part, there is no right, nor wrong way in this hobby, just different ways to enhance our musical enjoyment.

In my set up, I use two 2' wide by 4' tall panel. They are oriented so that they are covering the back end of the electrostatic frame and not the subwoofer enclosure. The idea is to eliminate the dipole reflection.

You will get some effect by placing different types of fabrics or rugs behind your speakers. The best materials are those that absorb the sound and not those that reflect or diffuse them. Your best bet is to go to Lowes and buy two sheets of insulation (Roxul about 3.5" thick each) and place them behind your speakers. The plastic covering might reflect the sound, so you might have to open it. You can always return them after performing your experiment.

There are many finished acoustical panels available out there. Some of them can print pictures on the fabric cover to make it more room friendly. Mine are from Mix Master Acoustic, and I find them sonically and cost effective.

As an addendum to the information provided by Jcharvet, indeed heavy drapes or rugs will work. However, for my application, I purchased absorption panels from Acoustical Solutions: http://www.acousticalsolutions.com/acoustical-wall-panels.

Additionally, one can either buy purchased complete panels as I, or DIY, by buying Owens Corning 703 panels, fabric, etc. such as available here:

http://www.buyinsulationproductstore.com/servlet/the-492/Owens-Corning-703-Acoustic/Detail

http://www.atsacoustics.com/cat--DIY-Acoustic-Materials--102.html

http://www.acoustimac.com/dmd-acoustic-panel-422/

Website’s with DIY acoustic panel information follow:

http://www.facstaff.bucknell.edu/esantane/movies/Acoustic.html

https://sites.google.com/site/computeraudioorg/do-it-yourself

After I mounted apsorptive 2" thick panels in back of my Soundlab ESL's, wow, what a positive difference (huge smile)! They improved the sonics at least, if not more, than any item that I ever bought! Frequency response remained essentially the same, but focus, clarity, imaging and soundstage dramatically improved.

My experience (at least with Soundlabs) suggests that its paramount to absorb the back-wave emanating from the panel and it’s quite difficult to overly dampen that portion of the listening room.

Before installing acoustic panels, I allowed uncertainty with the science verses the art of acoustics, to inhibit purchasing and installing treatments. However, Roger West’s discussion via Soundlab’s set-up tips page http://www.soundlab-speakers.com/#!__technology/setup-tips, and discussions with a local audio store owner whose opinions I respected, convinced me that installing absorptive material is better than not, and if that were so, I needed to do more and as I’ve discovered, the end result was a resounding success and highly recommended!

Thanks. Even though we could attempt matching our room decor, because a lot of time and money went into finishing this room to our tastes, we really don't want to hang anything on that wall. I do, however want to experiment with dampening as you mentioned.

I'll try the method that I already alluded to. It sounds like you're familiar with the construction of the ML transducer frame so I'll explain how I intend pulling this off. Using a felt panel cut to the dimensions of the transducer, I'll use the topmost frame cross brace for attachment of the cloth to the back side of the panel. It will hang about 10 inches behind the panel.

If this works out for listening to solo guitar I can leave it in place with the option of easily removing it for listening that requires a more expanded soundstage. I'm going to a craft shop tomorrow and choose an appropriate material.

Let us know how that turns out.