Front firing port versus rear firing ports

[stebesplace]

I am about to get a pair of bookshelf speakers and i am down to two choices. One has a rear firing port (Polk R150) and one has a front firing port (R15). The R150 has MDF construction, not sure about the R15. These will actually be sitting on a bookshelf with an enclosed backside.

So my question is, will there be an advantage, or disadvantage, to one over another when sitting in a bookshelf surrounded by, well, books really?

[tino]

It depends on the size of the room, what you want to get from them and many other factors. I perfer my front firing port ones on my bookshelf as it gives them room to 'breath' whilst the rear firing port one's sit about 2' from the wall as thats where they sound best.

[Mefistofeles]

At least with rear ports, my understanding is that speakers can sound "boomy" if they're too close to a wall.  Sometimes owners stuff the ports with material in order to attenuate the excess.

But this probably won't occur unless you're listening at high volume levels.

It also best to place speakers in corners, you get more bass.

Another weird trick that works is using quarters is mounting quarters on the corner of each speaker, it improves the bass slightly.

[stebesplace]

Real quick here, is it possible to use 2 center channel speakers as bookshelf speakers? In other words, instead of laying two bookshelf speakers that won't fit into my bookshelf on their sides, using two center channel speakers instead since they are flat?

[Mefistofeles]

Yes, I have used center channel speakers as L/R speakers on more than one occaision.

[Enchanter]

I am about to get a pair of bookshelf speakers and i am down to two choices. One has a rear firing port (Polk R150) and one has a front firing port (R15). The R150 has MDF construction, not sure about the R15. These will actually be sitting on a bookshelf with an enclosed backside.

So my question is, will there be an advantage, or disadvantage, to one over another when sitting in a bookshelf surrounded by, well, books really?

It depends on how much "breathing space" rear-ported speakers have to work with. Most speakers, regardless of port location, work best away from walls (close siting to walls reinforce the bass, often causing undesirable bass humps and honky mids). Front-ported models typically can tolerate working close to walls more than their rear-ported cousins as they can "breathe" better in such situations.

HIHs. Cheers!

[stebesplace]

I am about to get a pair of bookshelf speakers and i am down to two choices. One has a rear firing port (Polk R150) and one has a front firing port (R15). The R150 has MDF construction, not sure about the R15. These will actually be sitting on a bookshelf with an enclosed backside.

So my question is, will there be an advantage, or disadvantage, to one over another when sitting in a bookshelf surrounded by, well, books really?

It depends on how much "breathing space" rear-ported speakers have to work with. Most speakers, regardless of port location, work best away from walls (close siting to walls reinforce the bass, often causing undesirable bass humps and honky mids). Front-ported models typically can tolerate working close to walls more than their rear-ported cousins as they can "breathe" better in such situations.

HIHs. Cheers!

I think that is good information. I feel back to the drawing board when I raised my price range on what speakers I am getting. Its been years since I have bought speakers, and its been driving me nuts! I am in a situation where I would like to get a good set ($200-$250) however, could easily settle with a $100 pair and a $100-$150 sub. Ohh choices...

[Enchanter]

I looked at the specs of both speakers and can't find any difference aside from the port location and box dimension (width & depth). Speaker boxes are normally made of MDF and, given that both models have near identical retail prices, it is reasonable to assume they both use the same materials. Were I you, I would go for the front-ported model. Of course, it is best if you can home audition either or both of them at their intended location so you can hear for yourself if the sound is to your liking. No reviews will come any closer to the truth than what your own ears tell you.

Cheers!

[stebesplace]

I looked at the specs of both speakers and can't find any difference aside from the port location and box dimension (width & depth). Speaker boxes are normally made of MDF and, given that both models have near identical retail prices, it is reasonable to assume they both use the same materials. Were I you, I would go for the front-ported model. Of course, it is best if you can home audition either or both of them at their intended location so you can hear for yourself if the sound is to your liking. No reviews will come any closer to the truth than what your own ears tell you.

Cheers!

Yeah it seems both are identical other than port location. I am going to try the rear port first, test, and if they work good, great, otherwise, get the fronts and go from there.