I did try it on either side of the fireplace, but the speakers were almost up against chair and couch.I can see by your photos it is not easy to get the hifi positioned at it's best in your room. Your room looked much more narrow in your photos than the 11' 5", and the way you have positioned the speakers now, are they not firing your fireplace?
If so does that mean you would have to move a chair to be in the ideal place every time you decided to do some serious listening? If so and you don't mind doing this all is good, but I liked Radient Red's suggestion of either side of the opening, I've seen many photo's of members systems that have to work in rooms quite a bit more narrow than yours.
This is the best position, and even in an offset seat the system sounds better.
It sounds airier, soundstage has opened up and it has lost the booming base.
In the long term I am tempted to get a smaller speaker.
A rug has been ordered...so will see what that will change.
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