[GG386]

A little history before we get to it. I'm in the process of almost a total renovation of my 15 year old HT, but some things will be reused, namely my VMPS dipoles which were used for my rears of my 5.1.  All of the equipment has been in conditioned storage for 5 years now, which probably won't affect anything, so here's where I need the help. I'm going to do a 7.1- should the dipoles be put back in for rears or use these for the side surrounds? What current speaker does VMPS "match" up with the dipoles.
I am going to add another sub, possible a JL113, but I just noticed VMPS also makes them, hmmm...
Lots of info left out ,I know, but nothing worst than a babbling newbie
Projector- Either a Sony 60 or 200
Screen- CIH 10'
Power- Parasound
Processor- D2 or integra 9.8
Mains- Chapman T7
Center- JM Labs
T.I.A.
Gary

[John Casler]

A little history before we get to it. I'm in the process of almost a total renovation of my 15 year old HT, but some things will be reused, namely my VMPS dipoles which were used for my rears of my 5.1.  All of the equipment has been in conditioned storage for 5 years now, which probably won't affect anything, so here's where I need the help. I'm going to do a 7.1- should the dipoles be put back in for rears or use these for the side surrounds? What current speaker does VMPS "match" up with the dipoles.
I am going to add another sub, possible a JL113, but I just noticed VMPS also makes them, hmmm...
Lots of info left out ,I know, but nothing worst than a babbling newbie
Projector- Either a Sony 60 or 200
Screen- CIH 10'
Power- Parasound
Processor- D2 or integra 9.8
Mains- Chapman T7
Center- JM Labs
T.I.A.
Gary

Hi Gary,

Looks like you are in for some fun.

The VMPS dipoles actually are somewhat bipolar in their actual radiation, which means they can be used ass either side surrounds or rears.

True dipoles can only be used correctly as side surrounds, placed with the "null" exactly on axis.

But because Brian wanted to maintain usefull bass response, these are a bit different.

If you use them for "rears" then you needn't be overly concerned about matching drivers, since most of the sound is reflected and not direct to the ear.

Depending on your budget, you may want to look at Brian's expanding line of "jr" speakers, including the 626jr, the LRC jr, and the RM2jr.

As far as subs, the LARGER, the 215, and the new VSS (Very Solid Sub) will shake things up.

[GG386]

John,
The speakers you mention (as best I can tell) look a little big for side surrouds. I'm sure there a great sounding speaker(s) but I need more like something that can be mounted on the wall. I've noticed that Triad, for example, have surfaced mounted suurounds in a dipole configuration and (I think) a small forward facing bass speaker all in on unit. My heart is with VMPS, but I'm not sure they make such an animal. BTW, I started unpacking my speakers (VMPS) last nite and I forgot about that spindle that's in the speaker- I guess one way is dipole and with a turn you have a bipole.
O.K., dipole vs. bipole, what exactly is the diff?
Gary

[John Casler]

John,
The speakers you mention (as best I can tell) look a little big for side surrouds. I'm sure there a great sounding speaker(s) but I need more like something that can be mounted on the wall. I've noticed that Triad, for example, have surfaced mounted suurounds in a dipole configuration and (I think) a small forward facing bass speaker all in on unit. My heart is with VMPS, but I'm not sure they make such an animal. BTW, I started unpacking my speakers (VMPS) last nite and I forgot about that spindle that's in the speaker- I guess one way is dipole and with a turn you have a bipole.
O.K., dipole vs. bipole, what exactly is the diff?
Gary

A dipole is designed so that the two driver sets, move in the same direction, (in unison) at the same time.  This creates a cancellation or a "null", which is supposed to be on your listening axis (meaning the side surround would have the "null" pointing at your ear)

This reduces or eliminates "directionality" and the sound you hear is highly dispersed and creates "air" or "presence".

A bipole driver set up the speaker drivers move out and in at the same time.  That causes all the air around the speaker to move, and also creates a very diffuse sound, but there is no null.

A bipole can be used as both a side or rear surround speaker, but a dipole (true dipole) is best at the side, and you sit directly between the null.

Since the VMPS speakers you have are not "true dipoles" you can use them either at the side or the rear.

That said, true Dipoles are not that common in higher level systems for side surrounds, and were more popular when THX and Dolby Prologic was the preferred and popular processing system for HT.

Currently, with Dolby Digital 5.1 discrete movies, and Multi-channel music discs, the move is toward a more directional sound for the side surrounds.  That is why I suggested the LRCjr's and the 626jr's, as they offer that.  (and yes they are good sized, but sound incredible)

[GG386]

John,
The speakers you mention (as best I can tell) look a little big for side surrouds. I'm sure there a great sounding speaker(s) but I need more like something that can be mounted on the wall. I've noticed that Triad, for example, have surfaced mounted suurounds in a dipole configuration and (I think) a small forward facing bass speaker all in on unit. My heart is with VMPS, but I'm not sure they make such an animal. BTW, I started unpacking my speakers (VMPS) last nite and I forgot about that spindle that's in the speaker- I guess one way is dipole and with a turn you have a bipole.
O.K., dipole vs. bipole, what exactly is the diff?
Gary

A dipole is designed so that the two driver sets, move in the same direction, (in unison) at the same time.  This creates a cancellation or a "null", which is supposed to be on your listening axis (meaning the side surround would have the "null" pointing at your ear)

This reduces or eliminates "directionality" and the sound you hear is highly dispersed and creates "air" or "presence".

A bipole driver set up the speaker drivers move out and in at the same time.  That causes all the air around the speaker to move, and also creates a very diffuse sound, but there is no null.

A bipole can be used as both a side or rear surround speaker, but a dipole (true dipole) is best at the side, and you sit directly between the null.

Since the VMPS speakers you have are not "true dipoles" you can use them either at the side or the rear.

That said, true Dipoles are not that common in higher level systems for side surrounds, and were more popular when THX and Dolby Prologic was the preferred and popular processing system for HT.


Currently, with Dolby Digital 5.1 discrete movies, and Multi-channel music discs, the move is toward a more directional sound for the side surrounds.  That is why I suggested the LRCjr's and the 626jr's, as they offer that.  (and yes they are good sized, but sound incredible)

That is my undertsanding of HT processing, all beit a little dated hence the reason for my inquirey.
I guess if had the real estate for such a speaker configuration,I would, but the seating is between column lines which is where the sides would be installed. Is the newer 7.1 processing superior to 5.1 or just an add-on since ( if I'm understanding you correctly) movies are still encoded w/5.1?