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Side or back wall more important for speakers?

Many of us are not fortunate enough to have a dedicated listening that allows us to position our speakers optimally. If you had to choose one, which would it be:

1. Place speakers away from back wall
2. Place speakers away from side walls

From my non-scientific tests, it seems that the sidewalls play a bigger role in soundstaging and achieving a holographic sound. What do you think?
tboooe
shadorne's avatar
shadorne
7,491 posts
 
Side walls
steuspeed's avatar
steuspeed
501 posts
 
Side wall first reflection will effect higher frequency more so than the front wall. Tweeter directionality will also limit front wall interaction unless it is a rear firing design. Side and front walls will effect lower frequency equally.

Some speakers; particularly UK, are designed for near front wall placement due to limited space in many flats.
tboooe's avatar
tboooe OP
1,009 posts
 
By the way, which is correct...front wall or ball wall when referring to the wall directly behind the speakers? I have seen it referred to both ways...just to be clear, in this instance I am referring to the wall behind the speakers.
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