Hello I've built an entertainment wall that includes a recessed area for a 50 inch Flat screen and recessed areas for a L & R Speaker and a rececessed area under the TV for a Center Channel. The look I am going for is shelves built into the wall so that the speakers will stick out from the wall by about 3 or 4 inches. Now that it is all sheet rocked, taped, mudded, textured and painted, I've been advised by an amataeur audio guru that speakers are engineered needing open space behind them for them to work and sound properly. How much space behind the speakers in an enclosed space is needed? There will be minimal space on the side (about 1/2 an inch) and about 6 inches of space on top. I can extend a wood shelf out from the wall to give space in the rear of the speaker. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

Matt

Greetings MIVERSON5!

For movie watching that should workout ok.   However for optimal 2 channel music listening it is recommended that bookshelves be placed on stands at least 12" from the side and back walls.

 http://www.aperionaudio.com/AperionU/2-channel.aspx

Sure a foot to the sides and rear is ideal, but there are tons of people out there whose set ups aren't ideal and still are able to greatly enjoy their systems.

The 4Bs and 5Bs both sound good with only 3-4 inches behind them as the 4B doesn't have a back port and the 5B's is pretty small.  The 6B on the other hand needs at least six inches and really will sound quite a bit better with 9-12 inches behind it. 

I suspect that you will be quite happy with that set up if you do end up using the 4B or 5B for your fronts.