Using Dipole Speakers in a Stereo System

Newbee, thanks again for your input. Yes, the Odysseys are somewhat of a setup challenge, an issue that I've dealt with for over 30 yrs. During that time I've used Acoustat, Martin Logan and Magnepan. Maybe it's because of the curvilinear design of the ML's but I found these to be the biggest challenge of the panel speakers. Also, I find that the setup requirements, especially as regards toe in, seem to be different between orchestral vs single guitar music. I know, I know; this may be a mental issue but it's how I perceive it to be.

As I mentioned earlier, I recently added a pair of Jamo Concert Eights (great speakers, btw) which I bought used, just for listening to solo guitar. They present excellent detail with surprisingly tight and very ample bass. For a larger stage such as for symphonic music I find the the Odysseys are completely adequate. For small jazz groups it is a toss up between the two sets of speakers.

This is the type of compromise that probably most audiophiles would find an affront to their sensibilities but, again, it works for me. Don't get me wrong, though, if I could afford the expense that I assume would be attendant with high end conventional speakers I would welcome the idea of a single pair for all of my listening genres.

I have a pair of ML Summits and hang thick, picture-frame style absorption panels on the wall behind it to eliminate/minimize the dipole effect. It is very effective, and you will get what you are looking for. You can "turn on/off" this effect anytime by simply placing/removing the panels.

Jcharvet, thanks for this advice. Even though I've used dipoles for so many years I've never tried this, primarily because my listening room is my living room and we were concerned with how it would look. In the past several years, though, I've begun listening to a lot of solo guitar and maybe it's time to revisit the thought of limiting the phase effects of the ML's.

In regard to this, I'd like to know how important it is to have the panels located on the wall. It would be relatively easy to experiment with this idea but do you think it possible to accomplish the same effect by hanging something like a panel of felt behind and attached to the frame of the transducer panel?

"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.