Least sensative speaker to placement

This is easy...now. The new Podium panel speakers. Read the comments on Stereomojo's RMAF coverage. The panels were turned in opposite directions and still threw a perfect soundstage. Not even omins will do that.

MBLs and other omnis do not work well that close to the wall in my opinion. Let me explain:

In general, early-arriving reflections are undesirable. The can cause coloration, image-skewing, and degradation of clarity. On the other hand, late-arriving reflections are beneficial as they impart a sense of liveliness and richness without the negative side-effects of early reflections.

The transition between detrimental and beneficial reflections is about 10 milliseconds. In other words, ideally you want the extra reverberant energy from an omni (or dipole or bipole) to arrive at least 10 milliseconds later than the first-arrival sound. This is a fuzzy transition zone, rather than a clear line in the sand.

Sound travels a little over one foot per millisecond, so 10 milliseconds corresponds to a path length difference of about 11 feet.

In my opinon, given Yetis' placement constraints fairly directional speakers make sense as a way to avoid detrimental early reflections. In this I agree with Triode's comments. Placement very close to the walls can cause overemphasis of the bass region, so that might be a factor as well.

Duke
dealer/manufacturer

Duke, sent you a reply to your email, would love to hear more.

Consider the B&W wall mounts.

I have not heard them but they look like the 805s and sometimes come in the signature finish.

I completely agree with Jimaxp. Heard the Podiums
at the RMAF also. Pretty incredible.
Heard the larger versions at Audible Arts in San Jose, Ca. Weren't broken in, only a couple hours old, and still sounded good.
As placement friendly as there is.