Speakers for Placement Close to Back Wall

[parimento1]

Hi, which type of speaker would be most appopriate for a 2-channel set where, due to room constraints, the speakers cannot be located more than 16 inches from the back wall? Would it be ideal to use rear ported or non-ported (acoustic suspension) speakers for this situation? Any help is appreciated!

 

[jonnythan]

16 inches should be plenty for a rear-ported design, but it can't hurt to go with front-ported or sealed. What do you have up front?

 

[parimento1]

16 inches should be plenty for a rear-ported design, but it can't hurt to go with front-ported or sealed. What do you have up front?

I have a coffee table in front of the two speakers and a couch against the opposite wall. Theres about 6.5 feet between the speakers and the couch...so it is pretty near-field. I have a harman kardon HK-990 integrated amp driving them, with the matching HD-990 CD player.

 

[jonnythan]

Oh I misread the OP. So it's a 2-channel design.. with the speakers behind you? Is this for music, ambiance, what?

 

[parimento1]

Oh I misread the OP. So it's a 2-channel design.. with the speakers behind you? Is this for music, ambiance, what?

speakers are facing me, simple regular 2 channel set up, nothing special...just that the speakers need to be placed close to the wall and was wondering if this was a problem b/c of the rear ports.

 

[jonnythan]

Not a problem. You might want to consider a sealed design if the speakers are going into corners, as that can give some boominess. Then again if you're not using a sub you really want ported to get more low-end. You'll really just want to audition some and see what you like.

 

[sholling]

I'd go with sealed or front ported if you can. Depending on your price range you'll probably have an easier time finding front ported. You can also play with the receiver's crossover a bit to reduce the amount of energy going to the bass port.