can i place a rear ported bookshelf close to the wall

[chandruybl]

Hey Gang,

This might look silly but need your inputs, i am currently using a JBL Control 5 kept on bookshelf for my stereo, planning for an upgrade and it has become difficult to source an front ported one since i have constraints and the speaker needs to be placed close to the wall ,can i buy an rear ported one and place it as required or should go only with an front ported? Pls assist..thanks in advance

Rgds

Chandru:clapping::clapping:

 

[Rupam]

Usually its recommended the listening position be approx 1/3 of the longest room dimension (example: 12'x10' room the 10' wall behind speakers with your listening position approx 4' from the wall behind the monitors. Don't put the monitors too close to side walls or corners.

read more Wall behind the Loudspeaker Cancellation

 

[NakTech]

This is applicable to all speakers (not specific to speakers with port at the back). If Chandru's question is specific regarding the effect of a boundary near the opening of the port, the answer is it doesn't matter as long as it is not so close that the air velocity is affected. Many subwoofers and reputed speakers like B&W have down firing ports which are only a few inches above the floor. Hope this helps...

Usually its recommended the listening position be approx 1/3 of the longest room dimension (example: 12'x10' room the 10' wall behind speakers with your listening position approx 4' from the wall behind the monitors. Don't put the monitors too close to side walls or corners.

read more Wall behind the Loudspeaker Cancellation

 

[magma]

sir

there is one certainty in room setup
that is
" there is NO real certainty in room setup" -

rear ported speakers generally give a better response than frontported ones
this is the reason most manufacturers have moved to rear ports
(plus its an aesthetic thing as well )

NOw regarding placement
Though the above ( link posted above ) is true as a thumb rule
there is nothing definitive to stop you from placing the rear port close to a wall and yet achieving "decent sound "
some installers infact place a speaker close to the rear wall to augment the bass
(ofcourse they know what they are doing with respect to the room - and how the room is behaving)
As one very knowledgeble FM once said
DOnt fight the room - understand what its doing and make it "work" for you

each speaker behaves differently in a room

When a speaker is placed close to the wall
In general (maybe not always ) two things happen
1. you loose the depth of soundstage
2.Due to the early reflection it is possible that the bass may muddle the stage
Hence this is where room acoustics come in

if placing the speaker close to the rear wall
try and have at least 1.5 feet ( 3 feet is best- but in a metro due to lack of space this is diffficult - agreed )
if you dont have 1.5 feet see if angling the speaker wrt to the wall yields better results - it normally does

a 2inch trap behind the speaker does well when you cant spare more than 6 inches as well

Though all this is "compromised" placements
you can get decent music

only dont cocoon your speaker in a TV wall unit
THAT is absolutely the worst thing you can do
and if you HAVE to do it
please save some money and buy a "sasta" speaker

 

[keith_correa]

It depends on the amount of Baffle step compensation built into the x-over too. Depending on that, the speakers might sound bass heavy. Not necessarily a bad thing if you like that sort of augmentation.

 

[efernand1]

Hi Chandru,

If you have not yet purchased the Bookshelf speakers yet, better to explore whats available. End of the day you need to have a speaker which would cater to all possible frequencies between 20hz - 20 or 25khz. The ports either front or back help to provide the Bass / low frequencies.

Depending on your budget, taste in design and aspiration for brands, check whats available, see the specs in terms of spl and frequencies and select the right ones...the key is to demo as many shortlisted models as possible to make the right decision.

End of the day all speaker companies give you a manual where they would recommend the most likely position of speaker placement, depending on whats in the room, its size, structure / layout etc. you will need to place them. Also new speakers require at least 20 hours - 40 hours of use (Break IN) to really optimally perform...after this you may possibly change the position.

All the best....

 

[keith_correa]

It depends on the amount of Baffle step compensation built into the x-over too. Depending on that, the speakers might sound bass heavy. Not necessarily a bad thing if you like that sort of augmentation.

Need to add to the text in red above: If placed backed up too close to the wall.