Originally Posted by
marco_gea
Interesting discussion in the comments section of that page.
Mr. Ethan Winer said:
"Imaging has nothing to do with distance to the front wall unless you have dipole type speakers like Magnepans etc. Imaging is about mid and high frequencies, and normal "box" and tower type speakers send those frequencies forward, away from the front wall. The side wall distance could affect imaging, but only if the absorption isn't effective enough. I've seen people use diffusion at side-wall reflection points, and that too would affect imaging versus distance. Though IMO a normal width room should not have diffusion there because it's not as effective as absorption."
Based on my own experience, I would tend to agree - especially if the speakers have directional mid-highs (as is the case when using waveguides/horns).
Marco.