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Front port vs Rear port

Hello all,
Trying to decide on the final pieces for my set up. I know I did it backwards but some deals came up before I could decide on speakers.
I am down to a few choices for my speakers, but I do have one nagging question. The room that everything is being set up in is only 12' X 16' so speaker placement will probably be a big issue. My question is....will a front ported set of speakers allow me to place them closer to the back wall? I know some adjustments will be necessary and it will depend on the speaker characteristics. But in general will front ports make better sense?
Thank You!
mtpockets1311
schipo
1,267 posts
 
Yes front ported will allow you to place them closer to the wall. But don't let that be the deciding vote when making a choice. You can chose a speaker that is rear ported and keep it close to the wall for casual listening. And bring it out when you want to listen more intensely.
meiwan
399 posts
 
Yes, front porting gives you more flexibility in placement. Although some rear ported speakers can work OK close to a wall (ie, Linn Katan). If you are thinking of a stand mounted monitor that doesn't try to go too deep, rear porting is less of an issue. If floor standing, rear porting is pretty much required to be well away from rear walls.

Still, listen to lots of speakers. A few inches back and forth can make a lot of difference.
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
The reasons given are correct, but one reason that ports are put on the rear of speakers is that, at high levels, port turbulance can be audible and having the sound exiting the back of the speaker can be better than having it aiming right at you.
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