Great discussion. Much good info. Varies much between speakers but the answers that addressed “baffle step” ring with me (see what I wrote there). As a Wharfedale Linton Heritage speaker owner, I’m a fan of the current wave of throwback big boxes…with the right distance from the back wall and a little toe-in they seem like best of both worlds between crisp imaging and rich tone.
Why does pulling out main speakers from wall improve sound?
Ask my dealer this question and he was stumped. He said it's a good idea but couldn't say why. I see speakers pulled out eight or more feet from the wall in very nice systems.
The drivers are facing forward, and when there are no ports in the back of the speaker so why would it matter?