Yes, the speaker placement is also a factor in the performance of the speaker.
But there are also other aspects as follows:
Are the upstream components (amps/preamps, source, music material) verified to be capable of delivering accurate bass and detailed sound so as to conclude that the speaker is the weak link?
Is the amp capable of properly driving the speaker?
Have you tried listening with the speaker with other amplifier and source? And have they produced the same results?