They are quite different. For one thing, Pipedreams have separate subwoofers which have to be carefully placed in the room to try to get integration with the main towers. Secondly, they must be biamped. Another difference is the room size required: in all situations where I have heard them, Pipedreams have been in large rooms. The subwoofers seem to dictate this.
Sound Labs, being full range dipoles and designed as virtual line sources (not flat panels), tend to be much more independent of room size and in fact can work very well in small rooms. As a Sound Lab dealer I have customers with identical speakers (A-1PX, for example) in fairly large rooms (about 17 ft. by 48 ft.) and small rooms (12 ft. by 19 ft.) with good success. My own room is on the small side, with U-1s, which are very similar to M-1s.
Pipedreams will play very loud, given enough power. Their subwoofers will give chest-thumping bass, whereas Sound Labs' dipole bass is of a different variety, where it envelops you instead of being in your face. Sound Labs will play loud but not at insane levels - 100 dB or so is about the max. They are more of a finesse speaker with lots of low level detail, texture and timbre.
You might also try listening to the Pipedreams at various volume levels, especially lower volumes, to see how they perform. Sound Labs do fine in this regard.
Your choice depends upon the kinds of music you listen to and at what volumes as well as your room. Find out about recommended placement and room treatment for optimum performance in your room, and decide whether this is acceptable to you and yours. Also look at recommended associated electronics and accessories to see what works best and will be compatible with the rest of your system.
Good luck and listening!
Brian
Sound Labs, being full range dipoles and designed as virtual line sources (not flat panels), tend to be much more independent of room size and in fact can work very well in small rooms. As a Sound Lab dealer I have customers with identical speakers (A-1PX, for example) in fairly large rooms (about 17 ft. by 48 ft.) and small rooms (12 ft. by 19 ft.) with good success. My own room is on the small side, with U-1s, which are very similar to M-1s.
Pipedreams will play very loud, given enough power. Their subwoofers will give chest-thumping bass, whereas Sound Labs' dipole bass is of a different variety, where it envelops you instead of being in your face. Sound Labs will play loud but not at insane levels - 100 dB or so is about the max. They are more of a finesse speaker with lots of low level detail, texture and timbre.
You might also try listening to the Pipedreams at various volume levels, especially lower volumes, to see how they perform. Sound Labs do fine in this regard.
Your choice depends upon the kinds of music you listen to and at what volumes as well as your room. Find out about recommended placement and room treatment for optimum performance in your room, and decide whether this is acceptable to you and yours. Also look at recommended associated electronics and accessories to see what works best and will be compatible with the rest of your system.
Good luck and listening!
Brian