The bipoles offer something that's hard to describe but is very compelling. As far as I can tell it's a combination of deep, tuneful and well-controlled bass combined with the octave-to-octave consistency that only a single driver can provide. And unlike most other single driver speakers I have heard there's absolutely no upper midrange shout or treble harshness. Another characteristic that's more difficult to describe (you have to hear it to understand) the bipole ambience. This reminds me of the dipole Magnepans I've owned in the past.

Early on the treble was lacking, but a combination of different internal wiring and speaker cables, toe-in, and breakin time has virtually eliminated this problem. The bipoles do have a limitation in their absolute ability to play loudly - about as much as the 5" woofer high end mini monitors I've heard. I measured this playing a Keb Mo CD, and to my ears the music started to sound congested when the volume at the listening position (10' from the fronts of the speakers) was peaking at about 94dB (94dB is pretty damn loud!). To put it in perspective, the volume limitation isn't an issue with most music, but with some highly dynamic material, like my "Heroic Music for Organ, Brass, and Percussion" disk, I prefer the Pi speakers.

I suppose the bottom line is this: As I rotate through the other speakers I always find myself returning to the bipoles after a few CD's. I would recommend these without reservation for anybody to use in a second system, and if the loudness limitation isn't an issue I would also recommend them as somebody's main (or only) speakers.

• Bipolar MLTL Full Range Speakers