In a square or cubic room, a conventional monopole speaker will have severe low-frequency standing-wave problems. However, a dipole speaker will not, because the figure-8 bass radiation pattern will only significantly excite room modes in one dimension.
On the other hand, in a small room few dipole speakers work well because the backwave needs plenty of room behind it to avoid coloration in the midrange and treble. However, not all dipole speakers operate as a dipole all the way up. The Original Quads, the "57's", have a damping pad behind the tweeter panel that absorbs much of their backwave, allowing them to be positioned back closer to the wall than most dipole speakers.
The Gradient Revolution has dipole bass loading, and carefully controlled cardioid radiation in the midrange and treble. The result is an extremely relaxing and natural-sounding presentation that is pretty much independent of the room's acoustics. Disclaimer - I'm a Gradient dealer.
If you're willing to treat the backwave, you might be able to get away with using Maggies in your room. I have a friend who, on my recommendation, tried the little MMG's in an 11 by 11 by 11 (cubic!) room. The result was very satisfying, but the backwave is partially absorbed by draperies.
Best of luck to you in your quest!
On the other hand, in a small room few dipole speakers work well because the backwave needs plenty of room behind it to avoid coloration in the midrange and treble. However, not all dipole speakers operate as a dipole all the way up. The Original Quads, the "57's", have a damping pad behind the tweeter panel that absorbs much of their backwave, allowing them to be positioned back closer to the wall than most dipole speakers.
The Gradient Revolution has dipole bass loading, and carefully controlled cardioid radiation in the midrange and treble. The result is an extremely relaxing and natural-sounding presentation that is pretty much independent of the room's acoustics. Disclaimer - I'm a Gradient dealer.
If you're willing to treat the backwave, you might be able to get away with using Maggies in your room. I have a friend who, on my recommendation, tried the little MMG's in an 11 by 11 by 11 (cubic!) room. The result was very satisfying, but the backwave is partially absorbed by draperies.
Best of luck to you in your quest!