Any loudspeaker with side-firing woofers (more common than ever these days), are designed to be coupled as closely as possible with the wall, to reinforce low frequency output. These designs are more commonly narrow in width, but deep so that the mids and tweeters are not close to the wall.
My NHT 3.3's are almost touching the wall behind them, but the face of the speaker cabinet is almost 3' from the wall. The manufacturer recommends this placement, and judging by numerous reviews, the manufacturer might just be right.
But on the other hand, I do see Phasecorrect's (justification) #2 point.... Why purchase equipment that you can't use to their full potential? A Ferrari would sure look good in my garage. But I wouldn't want to own one, if I couldn't drive it on the road.
Who in their right mind purchases equipment not knowing if they can live with it?
My NHT 3.3's are almost touching the wall behind them, but the face of the speaker cabinet is almost 3' from the wall. The manufacturer recommends this placement, and judging by numerous reviews, the manufacturer might just be right.
But on the other hand, I do see Phasecorrect's (justification) #2 point.... Why purchase equipment that you can't use to their full potential? A Ferrari would sure look good in my garage. But I wouldn't want to own one, if I couldn't drive it on the road.
Who in their right mind purchases equipment not knowing if they can live with it?