Great sounding close to back wall speakers.

Began a similar thread years ago, and settled on the Gradient Preludes. However, if I could have afforded it, the Combak Bravo would have been ideal.

Thanks for all the replies. I listen to just about all types of music excepting hard rock. I'm not familiar with some of the brands/models mentioned, so this will keep me busy for a while. Would need to stay under say $3,000 (used price) for speakers.

my Audio Note model E is rear ported and they are designed to be placed near the wall and they sound terrific. This is a counter point to all the warnings for rear ported speakers

If you're looking used, the Linn Isobariks were designed to placed within a couple inches of the wall. In good condition, a fine sounding loudspeaker.

-R.

The materials and kind of wall construction will be crucial to making this work in my experience, regardless of speaker. You need to avoid unwanted vibrations from the wall itself that will muddy or enervate the sound. A modest wall treatment might be the best investment you can make. I've had some speakers as close as 12" with good soundstaging and bass balance. I'm no acoustic expert, but if you are interested in this issue, let me know and I can share my experience treating the wall.