Speakers recommendations when placement is an issue

I agree with what Vince is saying. You are getting yourself into a situation where you have to ask yourself what you can live with and what you can live without. You will be able to get by without a good soundstage and imaging if the sound is smooth from top to bottom. To get smooth bass from a floor standing speaker next to the wall nearly requires that you have adjustable bass output. I think you would be happier along the upgrade path with getting a good LCR setup and using a subwoofer to dial-in the bass. I think the Thiel MCS1 would do the trick. I use it as my center channel and am impressed with it. SGHT also really liked them. They are musical, work well with different placements, have good directionality, and won't give you bass problems. Just a thought.

Good luck!

Gregg

The Piega's make some speakers that are specifically designed for placement close to the back wall. They are beautiful sounding and a true value speaker.

What is your budget?

I have a similar problem, 1 speaker in a corner next to AV rack , speakers 1.5 feet from back wall. My Bohlender Graebener 501's have a good soundstage and wide sweet spot, They do need about 200 hours break in, a large amp and a subwoofer. After the break in, bi-amped to a madrigal 7.1 amp, they do sing.

Dunlavy's need wide spacing and the listener to be seated some distance back from them to work best. This is true of ANY speaker with a large space between multiple drivers as they need time / distance to blend together and "focus". I do agree that a sealed box is the way to go.

You might want to check into some of NHT's designs, as they incorporate some of the technology learned while Acoustic Research was studying speaker / room interaction. I have NO idea as to if you'll like them or not, it is strictly a suggestion. Sean
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If you have a chance, it would be worth your time to include
the Vandersteen 1C or 2Ce/signature in your group.

The Vandersteens do better than most under less than ideal
placement situations....and are quite amplifier friendly.

Vandies always seem to get your feet tappin'....