My side surrounds are direct radiating speakers set probably 3 feet above ear level, basically directly to the side (maybe a foot behind) the listening position. For movies, I think my Paradigm Studio ADP's (dipoles) are better side surrounds than my Axiom M3ti's (direct radiating), but the Studios are also a definite step up the speaker food chain. Unfortunately, mounting the ADP's anywhere on my side walls was not possible, so they moved to rear surround and the M3ti's took their place. For surround music, I think the direct radiating speakers may work out slightly better - it probably ends up real close to a wash in my case, although better direct radiating side surrounds might tip the scale in that direction.