When you see a measurement like "X feet from the front wall" in the context of speaker placement, it typically means the distance from the front of the speaker cabinet to the front wall of the room. In other words, it's the space between the front of the speaker and the wall that's directly in front of it.

This measurement is important because it can have a significant impact on the sound quality and imaging of your speakers. The distance between the front wall and the speaker can affect the interaction of the sound waves coming from the speakers with the room's acoustics. The ideal distance can vary depending on the specific speaker model, the room size, and your personal preferences for sound.

To set up your speakers effectively, you may need to experiment with speaker placement, including the distance from the front wall, to find the position that delivers the best sound quality and imaging for your listening environment. Adjusting this distance can help you achieve optimal bass response, minimize potential reflections, and enhance the overall listening experience.

@mijostyn 

I agree ! Better to be over absorbed than under. 

Many are confused by FRONT wall; it's the wall BEHIND the speakers. In my room which is 35ft long there is no BACK wall reinforcement, which throws a monkey wrench into positioning. My speakers are dipole at ~ 4.5ft from the front wall. Moving them back from 5ft helped fill in the upper midrange/lower treble

hth

I agree with you but often see reference to the wall behind the speakers as the back wall. 

@tweak1 Wrote:

Many are confused by FRONT wall; it's the wall BEHIND the speakers. 

I agree!

Precedence effect:

• Article

Below is a quote from my speakers tech manual:

''2. Stereo imaging will be improved The frequency response of the new monitor design is quite uniform, even at angles sufficiently off axis both horizontally and vertically to be unlikely listener positions. However, this results in more uniform room reflections which contributes to a stable virtual source that does not change with frequency [Queen [13]). In addition, increased toe-in can be used with no degradation of the direct sound field, rf enough toe-in is used for the axes of the systems to cross somewhat in front of the listener, then the level precedence effect can partially offset the time precedence effect (Haas [14]). This contributes to a more stable stereo image as the listener's position varies along the length of the control board.''

Mike