If memory serves, frequencies below 200 Hz tend to be perceived as non-directional -- you can't tell where they are coming from. John is correct that a smaller front baffle leads to improved imaging, but some manufacturers compensate for that by utilizing material that absorbs high frequencies, like felt, on the surface of the baffle combined with rounded baffle edges to reduce reflections. If you are a time and phase coherence proponent, I would think it would be harder to design that into a side firing speaker. While you may not be able to tell the source of the low bass, it may take a lucky confluence of factors (e.g., room acoustics and layout) to compensate for the reliance on reflected sound. From my experience with Def Techs, that design could also lead to some problems with a smooth transitioning from mid bass to low bass. You're wise to suggest there are pros and cons -- there are with all speakers.
Side firing bass designs - Pros & Cons?...
In an earlier "Adiogoner" thread someone asked if anyone had heard speakers from Amphion. I quickly went to their web site to see their speakers and noticed on the Xenon model they incorporated a side firing bass design. Based on the little bit of knowledge I've picked up from more knowledgeable audiophiles it seems to me this set-up would create time and phase coherency issues not to mention sending sound waves away from the listener instead of toward them.
Are there advantages in this type of design I don't know about, because Amphion isn't the only manufacture employing this side firing woofer strategy(Israel Blum uses it)? What are the pros and cons?
Are there advantages in this type of design I don't know about, because Amphion isn't the only manufacture employing this side firing woofer strategy(Israel Blum uses it)? What are the pros and cons?