360 degree radial speakers and imaging...

I believe with adequate spacing between speakers, left and right channel separation remains consistent with other designs. The potential benefit of omni-directional sources is the ability to create an image which can be palpable from an expanded listening area, as opposed to a listening position.

The best of them can indeed create a holographic soundstage which you can actually walk into the soundstage or "view" it from any location in the room without worrying about a sweet spot (mbl's are great at this, as were the original Ohm Walsh speakers and, to some extent, my speakers, though they're not a true omnidirectional design). Channel separation is not a problem at all. Pinpoint imaging is not as pronounced as with conventional designs, though--the images are there, extremely palpable and three-dimensional, but perhaps a little more diffuse than you might be used to. On multi-miked and pop recordings this can be a bit disconcerting; on well-recorded material, particularly where there is a large soundspace recorded, it can be surprisingly realistic.

I had the oportunity awhile back to hear the MBL $30,000 omni directional speaker being driven by MBL Monos'. Given the proper set-up ( which they were ) they sounded truly amazing.The most amazing to me was the sonically dissapearing cabinets and natural tonal balance of music.Unfortunately they come at a price and also need much current to reach there full potential.

Rny, Rcprince and Thorman hit it all on the head. Just don't expect "realism" without a lot of horsepower. Sean
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Also depends on which "omnidirectional" design you are referring to-some put too much emphasis on reflected sound and end up sounding like Bose.