Bipolar surround speakers vs Bookshelf speakers

[Michelangalo]

Hi Audiophiles,

I need a suggestion, is it better to get a Bipolar speaker surround speaker or a bookshelf speaker?
I understand what Bipolar system is but does it make a huge difference and is the extra cost worth it?

Room size- 12.8 * 22.5
Viewing Distance- 10-12 feet

 

[chander]

I helped my friends setup their restaurant speakers ages ago - 4 wharfedale bipolars or maybe 5 I don't remember now with an AVR. At that time I stumbled upon this article and funnily enough, I had it in my bookmarks. Might help:

SoundStage! Xperience | SoundStageXperience.com - Is Bipolar Dead?

www.soundstagexperience.com

 

[buxx]

I have used both.. Bipolar speakers provides a FAR better diffuse surround experience than Bookshelves.

Now this cuts both ways- you are less likely to pin point source of the sound ( good thing) , but then you are also less likely to be shocked by any pinpoint sound ( like an explosion, or voices )

 

[prateekatasniya]

Hi Audiophiles,

I need a suggestion, is it better to get a Bipolar speaker surround speaker or a bookshelf speaker?
I understand what Bipolar system is but does it make a huge difference and is the extra cost worth it?

Room size- 12.8 * 22.5
Viewing Distance- 10-12 feet

Single tweeter speaker is a better option.

 

[apbinu]

Hi Audiophiles,

I need a suggestion, is it better to get a Bipolar speaker surround speaker or a bookshelf speaker?
I understand what Bipolar system is but does it make a huge difference and is the extra cost worth it?

Room size- 12.8 * 22.5
Viewing Distance- 10-12 feet

IMO, i would still go with bookshelf which are typically monopole. With all the object based sound source like Atmos/DTS-X its better to have monopole systems which are dedicated to each channels in terms of surround experience. With Bipolar system as correctly pointed by FM (buxx) it will diffuse surround experience, which might be better if you are covering larger HT space like dedicated mini Theatre rooms.

 

[rpmahale]

Earlier I had JBL satellite speakers as surround speakers and now I have Monitor Audio Bronze BXFX speakers which comes with Bipole and Dipole design.
Monopole speakers....
1. Relatively cheaper than Bipole
speakers .
2. Difficult to mount if rear ported.
3. If shelf mounted, little obstructive
4. Limited sound field like flash beam compare to Bipole
5. Little more intense/powerful and frequently catch attention
Bipole/Dipole speakers....
1. Expensive than monopole
2 can be easily wall mounted
3. Less obstructive.
4. Wider sound field , enveloping MLP
5. No need of surround back channels
as area behind MLP also get cover.
6. Little smooth and doesn't catch
attention .
7. Not all speakers manufacturer have
Bipole/Dipole speakers in their
products catalog .
My take....
I will go with Bipole/Dipole surround speakers as they are designed for that purpose. They have seamless and smooth surround sound response more enveloping and engaging. If crossover set to low, like 60Hz ( in my case) , you will get better and and true to life experience.
This is my experience with surround speakers, yours may be different.

 

[ayushwas]

I think @rpmahale summarized it well. Very hard to find the source. Like when I sound test it says surround back left and surround left at very different places with clarity but accurate to my sitting position. I had satellites too earlier and they are amazing too. These definately have wide dispersion sound and advantage of not needed to be positioned in ideal place.

 

[HTuser]

In case of 5.1 setup, Bi-polar can be considered for better coverage of rear area. In case of 7.1 setup bookshelf is recommended. Bookshelf typically gives better bass near crossover region.

Bookshelf/monopole is also recommended for object audio like Atmos/DTS:X content as multiple speakers will try to create the object sound in a position of the room and move that sound. Bookshelf/monopole will be able to make that position feeling better compared to bi-pole, as mentioned by apbinu