Using Dipole Speakers in a Stereo System

Mrmb, thanks. The foam that I got, and I should have been more clear, is not the cream colored rubbery stuff that one puts on mattresses. It is acoustical foam (polyurethane or polypropylene?) sold specifically to reduce hard surface reflections. By most standards, though, especially materials made for commercial anachoic applications, it was quite cheap. A 4'x8' sheet was less than $80 of which I only used about half.

Maybe now that I know it works I may look into trying some higher quality purpose designed material.

That's good to know. You can also try doubling the thickness of egg style foam to see if it improves some more.

I think a higher density absorbing material will ultimately be your solution for the Odysseys if you are looking for further improvements. Several materials have been presented here.

On a separate note, what is the dB value of soft and loud volumes you are listening to? If you don't have an SPL, several apps can be downloaded for free. For me loud is 80dB or more, and the panels remain effective at minimizing the reflections. As you pointed out, the louder it gets the more effective the results.

Thanks for your advice. What I described as egg crate is actually of a pyramidal design so is probably a little more efficient because the angle of attack of the sound waves is shallower.

As far as SPL value is concerned, what I consider loud depends on the frequencies in question, but, in general, it would be somewhere in the vicinity of the mid 70's.

Hi Broadstone: If you have the opportunity, a report of your trials & findings would be appreciated and perhaps helpful to other dipole owners.....

Mrmb, yes, I do have some success to report. I mounted the acoustical foam on the back of the frame about 10" behind the panel which keeps it mostly out of sight. Based on my way of thinking, because of the concave design of the rear face of the tranducer, placing the damper closer to the source may be more effective for this design.

Anyway, listening to solo guitar seems noticeably improved. The most notable of these improvements seems to be an enhanced center stage effect. The overall presentation seems less complicated and cleaner. I really don't know how to describe what I'm talking about but, although the differences are subtle, I can definitly say that I like it better.

The biggest enhancement to my listening enjoyment, though, is my having been fitted with a good pair of hearing aids. I recommend this approach, btw, to anyone having difficulty finding problems with their equipment. It might be your ears. I know this because I spent over a year replacing components, interconnects and speakers to correct what I perceived as deficiencies in my system.