In my home office's desktop audio system, I've had 4-5 pairs of speakers over the past 12-13 years (2 powered; 3 passive). All were located w/in ~1 foot of the front wall (actually an inset picture window covered with heavy blinds).
The main thing I learned is that sealed/acoustic suspension systems work better near a wall than any ported designs.
I currently have 2 such speaker pairs: my main pair is ATC SCM12 Pros, large/heavy 2-ways that sound rather amazing. 2nd pair is a pretty 4-yr old pair of Aerial Acoustic 5Bs, also a relatively heavy 2-way system. The 5Bs have better soundstaging and would probably light up the room w/soundstage if pulled out from the wall & put on stands. I'll sell the 5Bs soon because I just can't keep multiple pairs of speakers going...and I love those ATCs.
Had the Wharfedale Diamond 225s here and they sounded pretty good, though clearly not in the league of the 5Bs or ATCs.
Sealed is the way to go when near-wall placement is unavoidable.
Note: my system is nearfield, which probably minimizes the soundstaging deficits of close placement.
The main thing I learned is that sealed/acoustic suspension systems work better near a wall than any ported designs.
I currently have 2 such speaker pairs: my main pair is ATC SCM12 Pros, large/heavy 2-ways that sound rather amazing. 2nd pair is a pretty 4-yr old pair of Aerial Acoustic 5Bs, also a relatively heavy 2-way system. The 5Bs have better soundstaging and would probably light up the room w/soundstage if pulled out from the wall & put on stands. I'll sell the 5Bs soon because I just can't keep multiple pairs of speakers going...and I love those ATCs.
Had the Wharfedale Diamond 225s here and they sounded pretty good, though clearly not in the league of the 5Bs or ATCs.
Sealed is the way to go when near-wall placement is unavoidable.
Note: my system is nearfield, which probably minimizes the soundstaging deficits of close placement.