Lugnut is correct--the Allison One, a classic design that seems to be making a comeback from the Father and Son CES pictures, was specifically designed to be flush with the wall, as was the Klipschorn (in the corner) and one of the speakers that first caught my fancy in the high end, the Snell A III. However, I agree with your point that with some (probably many) high end designs you are defeating the purpose of spending a lot of money on speakers designed to be placed well out into a room by putting them against a wall. In my case, since I don't have a dedicated listening room, I opted for a 4-piece system that has satellites light enough to carry out to the optimal listening spot from where they look, but don't sound, best when I want to listen seriously.
whatz up with hi-end speakers near walls?
How many recent (disturbing) posts have there been regarding placing speakers(very good ones) inches away from walls? I realise there are living confinements,spouses,etc...but you to "create" this yourself in order to get audiophile quality sound...even in my small apt...I have monitors 4 ft into the room...if you dont have or want to sacrifice the room...no need to drop 1k on SPendors...go down to radioshack...and contrary to what others have posted...no speaker is designed to be almost flush with walls...none that I would like to own anyways...good sound is more so about placement than equipment...great sound is both....