One pair of FXi3s or Two???

MonteM

(7.1 configuration)
Should I buy 1 pair of Fxi3s and install them for side surrounds in di-pole mode and install a pair of RTi4s for the back surround? Or should I buy 2 pairs of FXi3s and run the side surrrounds in di-pole mode and run the back surrounds in bi-pole mode? Opinions please. Here is what I will have for the rest of the system...

-Stereo = Denon 2805
-Fronts = RTi4s or RTi6s (haven't decided yet)
-Center = CSi3
-Sub = Audio concepts 12inch sub kit

Frank Z

Bi/dipole on the sides is going to give you a more diffused soundfield, basically no localization. Direct radiating speakers mounted on the sides will be very noticeable, but they'll work great if mounted on the rear wall.

From the Polk Audio HT Handbook...

Since it’s impractical for
homeowners to install multiple pairs of
“effects channel” loudspeakers, manufacturers
offer “bi-directional” (bipole or dipole)
speakers, which place drivers on both the
front and rear of the cabinet. This arrangement
spreads the sound along the side-walls,
making it harder for the audience to identify
the location of the surround speakers and
delivering a more enveloping experience.
This is especially important if your surround
speakers need to be placed within a few feet
of your listening position (Fig. 3a & 3b).

MonteM

That sounds good. I think I want to go with the FXi3s for the side surround but what the back surround? Should I go with a second pair or go with something like RTi4s?

Frank Z

RT4's in the rear will work great.

EA_Cru_2002

In my opinion, I'd go with the FXi3's in the rears. I have a 5.1 system (due to room constraints) and have the FXi5's behind me in bipole setting, and to me, they sound more diffuse than direct radiating monopoles like the RTi4's so it'll probably fit in better with the diffuse sounding FXi3 dipoles on the side.

Frank Z

He's looking to set up a 7.1 not a 5.1 though. FX's on the sides, direct radiating on the rear wall.

Toxis

Originally posted by Frank Z
He's looking to set up a 7.1 not a 5.1 though. FX's on the sides, direct radiating on the rear wall.

Airplay355

are you going to be sitting right on the back wall ? i hope not

MonteM

Unfortunately my seating area will be close to the back wall due to room constraints. My room is fairly long but narrow so my seating distance from the TV is limited.

Airplay355

then you might want to use fxi3's if you are going to be close to the back wall, it will diffuse things better

MonteM

Since I will be so close to the back of the wall are you suggesting then that I use FXi3s for both the side and back surrounds?

Frank Z

No, what's being suggested is that you go with a 5.1 system instead of 7.1. Exactly how far is your rear wall from your seating area.

danger boy

if it were ME... i'd go with all FXi3's for rear and side walls. I really enjoy the diffused sound from bi pole speakers.

bi/di pole speakers give you two tweeters and a mid/bass driver. I'd think that more drivers would sound better. Just a thought.. but that's what I would do if it were ME.

If you're to close to the rear wall.. the RTi4's may go overhead and you would lose some of the rear effects. that won't happen with the FXi3's... the drivers are facings two directions.

MonteM

Originally posted by Frank Z
No, what's being suggested is that you go with a 5.1 system instead of 7.1. Exactly how far is your rear wall from your seating area.

My couch will only be a few feet at most away from the back wall.

Airplay355

id go with all fxi3's, i also like the difused sound much better then the direct speakers

Frank Z

My back row is 2' away and I'm using 7's. If possible try both and see what you think.