Speakers recommendations when placement is an issue


I could use some help with speaker recommendations-I am restricted to placement with speakers flanking a 6 foot built-in entertainment center and 1-2 feet from the back wall. Currently using Linn LP-12, PSE electronics, CAL Icon MK II. Want to start the upgrading process with floor-standing speakers, however, because of limited placement I don't want to waste money on Avalons or ProAc if I can't make them sing! Any speakers that can provide good sound in this setup? Budget is fairly open. thanks!
oaklore
Dunlavy's need wide spacing and the listener to be seated some distance back from them to work best. This is true of ANY speaker with a large space between multiple drivers as they need time / distance to blend together and "focus". I do agree that a sealed box is the way to go.

You might want to check into some of NHT's designs, as they incorporate some of the technology learned while Acoustic Research was studying speaker / room interaction. I have NO idea as to if you'll like them or not, it is strictly a suggestion. Sean
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If you have a chance, it would be worth your time to include
the Vandersteen 1C or 2Ce/signature in your group.

The Vandersteens do better than most under less than ideal
placement situations....and are quite amplifier friendly.

Vandies always seem to get your feet tappin'....
Here's a further thought for you--the Egglestonworks Andras. I bought them, aside from the fact that I loved them, because they are designed to go close to a back wall without any boom (I've had them as close as 10" to the back wall with no ill effects, in a setup where my old B & W's had to be at least 2.5' from the wall, with a tube trap immediately behind them as well), and they project as wide a sound front as you'd ever want (at 9 feet apart to clear my equipment cabinet, with a foot on each side), and using an LP with a solo violin that is particularly hard to keep from stretching out into 2 distinct sound sources, the speakers are still aimed to cross their direct radiation output about 2 feet behind my head (if the room were in fact that wide). Only caveat: you need lots of power. I use Classe CAM-350s (350 watts per side), and they're great, but 250 watts per side is a minimum.
Aeriel Model 6 is a beautiful floorstanding speaker that will thrive within you limitations. It was purposely built with being close to rear walls in mind. Should complement your gear nicely.
While I agree with Whatjd that Vandy speakers are good, I find they are quite placement sensitive and would not want them 1-2 feet from the back wall--they'd lose much of their magic.

The only speakers I'm aware of that I'd care to mention or that are made to sit near or against the back wall are from Spendor, Audio Note, and possibly Osbourne? I've only heard them at shows but they sounded pretty good considering their placement. Although I'm not a fan of their speakers, I've seen some Linn speakers used to good effect from that distance to the back wall as well. Best of luck.

Tim