Once more I find myself wholeheartedly agreeing with Duke...as usual he has hit the nail on the head.
Speakers that radiate in a rearward pattern in the mid and high frequencies will produce a claustrophobic or cluttered sound when placed up against a wall.
Contrary to beliefs possibly propagated by Dr Bose...near reflections within 10 msecs are best avoided if you want good imaging and a clear sound (although in my experience 5 to 7 msecs is enough to make a dramatic improvement provided the reflections are at least 6 db lower). If you can't avoid early reflections then reduce them to at least 10 db SPL lower with diffusion/absorption.
Given most domestic requirements mean that speakers are close to a wall it is indeed surprising that dipoles and open back panels are so popular....
Speakers that radiate in a rearward pattern in the mid and high frequencies will produce a claustrophobic or cluttered sound when placed up against a wall.
Contrary to beliefs possibly propagated by Dr Bose...near reflections within 10 msecs are best avoided if you want good imaging and a clear sound (although in my experience 5 to 7 msecs is enough to make a dramatic improvement provided the reflections are at least 6 db lower). If you can't avoid early reflections then reduce them to at least 10 db SPL lower with diffusion/absorption.
Given most domestic requirements mean that speakers are close to a wall it is indeed surprising that dipoles and open back panels are so popular....