Can Bipolar Speakers Be Used for Both Side and Rear Surround Positions in a 7.1 Channel Home Theater System?

When setting up a 7.1 channel home theater system, you might be considering the use of bipolar speakers in both side and rear surround positions. Understanding the implications of using bipolar speakers is crucial for achieving an immersive audio experience without compromising the accuracy of sound localization.

Standard Configuration of a 7.1 Channel Home Theater System

A typical 7.1 channel home theater system consists of the following:

5.1 Channels: Front Left, Front Center, Front Right, Rear Left, Rear Right 1 Channel: Subwoofer 2 Additional Channels: Rear Surround Speakers

Bipolar Speakers in a 7.1 System

Bipolar speakers emit sound from both the front and rear of the speaker cabinet, creating a more diffuse sound field. This characteristic makes them suitable for surround sound applications, as they can blend the sound with the room's acoustics.

Placement Considerations

If you plan to use bipolar speakers for the rear surround channels, it’s essential to position them correctly. Ideally, rear surround speakers should be placed behind the listening area. For side surround speakers, position them to the sides of the listening area, slightly above ear level. Proper placement ensures that the diffuse sound field produced by bipolar speakers helps to create an immersive experience.

Sound Field and Immersion

Using bipolar speakers for both side and rear surrounds can create a more immersive experience. However, it might also make it harder to pinpoint the location of sounds compared to direct radiating speakers. Direct radiating speakers point the sound toward one ear, allowing the brain to process the signal and perceive the sound and instruments as coming from different points in the space around you. This virtual perspective is discarded in multichannel systems, which use speakers positioned in specific locations to create the sound stage.

Mixing Speaker Types

Mixing bipolar with direct radiating speakers may lead to inconsistencies in sound directionality. Generally, it’s recommended to use the same type of speakers for all surround positions if possible. For a 7.1 home theater system, maintaining consistency in speaker design helps to ensure a cohesive sound experience.

Why Bipolar Speakers May Not Be Ideal for a 7.1 System

While bipolar speakers can work as fillers for rear channels, it can be challenging to calibrate or tune them correctly. This is because speakers are directional: stereo speakers point sound toward one ear, creating a specific spatial perception. Multichannel systems discard this virtual perception because they have speakers that fire from specific locations intended to create the sound stage.

Bipolar speakers “spray” the sound in every direction, making it difficult to create the illusion of sound coming from a specific point in space like directly behind your ear. Good processors can help mitigate this issue, but for the best multichannel sound experience, it’s generally recommended to use front-firing speakers.

Front-firing speakers allow the system to properly form the sound stage and create a 3D sound image around you. This ensures that the sound is perceived accurately and immersively, enhancing your overall home theater experience.