Which speakers work close to back wall?

Audio Note speakers are designed to be placed in a corner or 2-6" from back wall. I prefer tham out a little farther than spec. as I prefer a little more depth. 95 db efficent. Sound glorious also. Find a dealer near you and listen. They are incredible.

I'll second Garfish's comment re: NHT.

No offense to other posters, but most if not all of said speakers sound best further away from the front wall - in most cases several feet. NHT 3.3's were designed to be within 2" of the front wall. In fact they need to be this close in order to produce proper bass response. This said, the dimensions of the speaker mean that it might as well be 3' into the room. - Like a mini-monitor on a stand the mid/tweeter sections end up positioned 30" out in the room.

NHT 3.3's are very narrow (7"), ridiculously deep (28") and an absolute BEAR to move. Each monolithic cabinet weighs 123lbs, has many sharp edges, and must be slid around on it's aluminum pontoons in order to truly fine-tune the position - not the easiest task for 1 person!

Once properly positioned they are very capable speakers, producing prodigious bass & very satisfying mids/highs. But be warned there’s no candy coating – just the recording, be it bad or good.

If going the 3.3 route take caution in selecting electronics & cables as 3.3's can sound shrill with mis-matched components or under amplification… usually 200-300 quality watts of SS power or beefy tube amps only IMHO.

With adequate amplification & well matched /quality electronics you will be aurally rewarded with sound that rivals speakers costing many thousands more.

Good Luck with your search

The PSB Straus Goldi's retail for $2700 and are well worth that price (although you can find them chepaer new and, of course much cheaper used). PSB recommends at least 3 inches from the back wall and they WILL sound good placed that close. However, I have them about 4 feet out and they sound great.

Placement has been a major problem for me - solved with Arros in my living room (HT), Linn Tukans (home office), and I'm waiting for a pair of Merlin TSM-Ms (on the way...) for my "office" office... (Little kids, WAF, and/or not enough room to keep speakers away from the wall). Can't comment on the Merlins yet (I'm hopeful), but can highly recommend the Tukans (despite the relatively low cost, with a subwoofer, I think the Tukans are amazingly good). The Arros sound great, and rate well on the WAF scale (replaced Vandersteens which, I was informed, were "incompatible" with the decor...) Good luck.