Hello all.

The short: Side-firing woofers: good or bad?

The long:

I've been exposed to loudspeakers for a long time and despite much reading loudspeaker how-to books and playing around, I still remain a novice at this. But it's still fun.. ;-)

I'm a product designer by trade and thought for a fun project I'd try to design some GOOD LOOKING, INNOVATIVE, but not necessarilly the greatest-sounding speakers in the world (I still haven't figured out crossovers). Sacrilege, I know. But bear with me.

If I can sell my ideas I may be able to get some engineers on my side to help with the gritty stuff.

So here's my concept: 3-way system. dome tweeter, dual mid-basses (5-6"), side-firing woofer (10-12"). Floor standing. This configuration (a la Infinity prelue, Genesys 6.1, etc) works well for cosmetic fun. It will be a PASSIVE system. Are there any disadvantages to a side-firing woofer? What about dual in-phase opposing woofers? (like the Genesys)

Thoughts, suggestions, wild ideas welcome!