The THX site recommends using 2 dipole/bipole speakers for the sides and 2 direct firing speakers for the back surrounds.

What have your experiences produced? Any body using the 2X2 formula? Or do most employ the 4 x QS8's?

I use 4 Qs8 quadpole (not di/bi pole) all the way around. Prior to this setup I owned two systems using direct radiating for the sides and rears. They don't cut the mustard to these speakers in my opinion.

The whole point is to be enveloped in the experience. With direct radiating you have to pretty much be in the sweet spot to enjoy. Having 4 drivers firing in phase gives everyone a truely remarkable experience.

If you think about movie theaters, the walls on the sides and rear are lined with direct radiating, not just 4 speakers. The Q's simulate this environment.

Quote:

---

If you think about movie theaters, the walls on the sides and rear are lined with direct radiating, not just 4 speakers. The Q's simulate this environment.

---

That pretty much sums up the Q's sound, nicely said.