Importance of wall behind listener?

1markr, you can look at my system here at Audiogon for the WAF images :^).

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?vaslt&1022712214&view

Here is a photo of my QRD 734 during construction, built into the back wall.
http://cgim.audiogon.com/i/vs/i/f/1111001394.jpg

Click on room views to see the acoustical cloth wrapped around the room obscuring RPG's and damping panels.

1mrkr, I should have made it more clear that I do use diffusion behind my listening position, only on the ceiling. I use a combination of skylines and doublebusters spread from just behind 1st reflection point on ceiling to behind listening postion. Sitting diffusors on floor stands behind listening postion has not worked as well as the natural ambience of no diffusors.
On WAF, that is difficult for me to know, I have a dedicated listening room so it doesn't matter. I actually like the esthetics of a fully treated room, I'm not so sure others do.

"1markr, I should have made it more clear that I do use diffusion behind my listening position, only on the ceiling. I use a combination of skylines and doublebusters spread from just behind 1st reflection point on ceiling to behind listening postion"

Scott, I think you meant "do NOT use diffusion behind listening position"....

In my room, the wall behind me is 20 ft. away, and I use no diffusors or absorbers. The sound stage is wide, high and deep.

Perfectionist

I have experienced exactly the same results you describe and have therefore always backed my listening chair as close as possible to the rear wall.

I always assumed that the "lean" sound you described might have been inherent to my favorite Magneplanars, but I notice you are not using planar speakers.

For me, in any case, close to the rear wall is a rule of thumb for basic placement, and I only move the position forward into the room to counteract any boominess.

(Nice system and room, by the way.)

1markr

If this is not possible for you, I hope you are still able to achieve happy results.

I cannot comment more specifically on rear wall treatments, but I have had everything from fireplaces to big windows and never thought that was a critical element.

I would think first reflections, closer to the speakers and especially on side walls should be more carefully controlled.

I would also think a lively rear wall might yield acceptable results for ambience and later reflections.

But I am not an expert so hopefully we will hear from others.