How to Understand Dipolar and Bipolar Speakers

Knowing how to understand the differences between dipolar and bipolar speakers is key to judging their performance. Their sonic characteristics make them uniquely suited to surround-sound speakers. Unlike a conventional speaker, which radiates sound from one side of its enclosure, a dipolar or bipolar speaker emits sound from two sides of the enclosure. Here are the key differences:

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bipolar speakers
• Dipolar speakers

1. Do some research. Buy a respected stereo-review magazine and browse some Web sites to familiarize yourself with the differences.

2. Dipolar speakers emit sound out of phase with each other. One speaker is pushing air; the other is pulling air.
   
   

3. Dipolar speakers create an open space of sound in the center of the listening area, and the listener cannot pinpoint the true source of the sound, which adds to the immersion effect of a home theater system.

4. Bipolar speakers emit sound in phase. Both speakers are pushing and pulling air at the same time.

5. Bipolar speakers produce a greater sound output and response at the cost of sonic immersion.

6. Your personal tastes and home theater system environment will determine which kind of surround-sound speakers you will need.

Tips & Warnings

• The orientation of your speakers is very important, and dramatically impacts the sound quality of your home theater system.
• Dipolar and bipolar speakers shoot sound from the sides of the enclosure, rather than the front.
• Read and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the use of dipolar and bipolar speakers.