|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
What types of speakers can be close (1 to 2 feet) to a rear wall without causing harmful sonic distortion. Obviously, rear-ported speakers will not work, but what will? Thanks.
Follow Ups:
nt
The Von Schweikert 3.5 can be close to the rear wall
Good Luck
These are studio monitors from pioneer. Designed to be used in nearfield and may be placed close to the back wall.
I have a pair of SC-III's which in their "parked" position are 2 feet (or less) from the rear wall.In this position I find them quite listenable and (depending on exact location) sometimes find the overall tonal balance more pleasing than in my "listening position".
Having them positioned closer to the wall the only noticable deficiency (in my room) is a loss of 3 dimensionality in imaging. I've found this can be somewhat compensated for by putting dampening material behind and between the speakers. Although I haven't tried it yet I suspect a diffracting surface would be best.
I find the SC-IIIs very tolerant of less than optimal positioning. However, I suspect that the laws of physics will dictate that there be some loss of imaging with any loudspeaker (due to higher frequency backwall reflections) located close to the wall.
Mike
They sound great near the "front" wall...and is actually recommended by the manufacturer to place them within 2 feet from the wall. My setup is about 1.5 feet away, and sounds very very good.These former Stereophile Class A speakers seem to have been getting less attention these days -- but they still sound incredible to my ears.
Just because they don't get lots of media attention anymore doesn't mean they aren't still great speakers. Most people will never have as good sound as you presently hear, no matter how much they upgrade and tweak.
Cheers,Graham
"You never really know how fast you're going until you hit the ground"
:-)
Frank P
I second the Neat recommendation. Amazing designs, perfect in my book.For a bit less, the Rega Ela in all its incarnations works well close to the wall, as do older Mordaunt-Shorts, particularly the "Classic" series.
For waaaaay less, the PSB Alpha is supposoed to be placed 2 inches from the wall.
FWIW, all the above speakers employ rear ports and are intended for wall placement.
If you want a high resolution, small, floor-standing speaker that sings, and you don't need the lowest octave (and a half), you could look at the Totem Arro speakers, which are designed for and require rear wall reinforcement.
A search at Stereophile may turn up some show reports that rave about what low end you do get from the tiny Arro woofers. And if you know the people at CA dealer audiowaves.com, they are familiar with these, having had a used pair for sale around 11/2001.
And doesn't the 1200.00 pair Snell bookshelf model which was well reviewed in TAS have a pi space switch?
The best selling model of the Thiel range actually mounts flat on the wall.
On the other hand, you don't say what you like or want to spend, so it's all kind of academic....
Greetings:Have to agree with the Arro's.
Have a pair in a smallish room hooked up to an Opera Audio Connsonace EL-34 tube integrated. Sweet.
Soundstage is big. Bass is not huge but is very accurate. The sound of this combo is very 'real'.El Monte
A superb near-wall placement speaker line to consider is Neat Acoustics - rear and downward vented designs which function at their best from 8"- 16" from the rear wall.
I consider them amoungst the most musically accomplished and expressive loudspeakers available.
small linns are reaqr ported, but made to be clo to the wall.
yoyo
nt
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors: