Pros and Cons of Side Firing Woofers

Cdc2,

It doesn't make a difference.

Waves can't "see", "feel", whatever - details that are much
smaller than the wavelength. The wavelengths for subwoofer
frequencies are many feet long.

So little details, like which way the woofer is pointing;
don't make a difference.

Dr. Gregory Greenman
Physicist

The advantage is that the baffle can be kept narrower than the diameter of the woofer. However my wide baffled Spica Angelus image wonderfully so I'm not sure a narrow baffle is required for imaging, though this is the argument used by those trying to sell narrow speakers.

I suppose a disadvantage would be if you had to place the speaker close to a side wall, or equipment rack then you might get excessive reinforcement and boomy bass compared to a front firing woofer. Mind you these would be lousy placement for any speaker.

So, in summary I don't really see any advantages or disadvantages. It's really just a "school of thought".

Look in archives with a search for a thread called "Side Firing Bass Designs - pro's & con's?". Pretty well covered the subject.