Why does pulling out main speakers from wall improve sound?


Ask my dealer this question and he was stumped. He said it's a good idea but couldn't say why. I see speakers pulled out eight or more feet from the wall in very nice systems.

The drivers are facing forward, and when there are no ports in the back of the speaker so why would it matter?

jumia

That question interests me as well.  I have always assumed that it would add depth to the sound stage. 

To round out room reflections. An alternative is wall absorption treatment. Or live with image confusion.

Obviously "your" dealer is more interested in sales than good sound.

Sound radiates out and around each speaker until it bounces off the nearest hard vertical surface. If you have treated walls, it can be mitigated in the upper octaves. Too close to the front wall, and side walls can cause too much lower octaves.

The room is small, about 13.5x13.9x8.

In my treated room, the speakers are less than a foot from the front wall, and 3 feet from one side, 4 feet from the other side wall.

Because of the treatment, I get a true 3D soundstage if the recording is done well.

About half of my collection is recorded well, or very well.

PS, my speakers are deep, about 18". So the drivers are all about 30" from the front wall.