Location of compoments.

Most speakers require empty space between speakers and dampened front walls. Normally I can close my eyes and hear the shape of the rack in between… it kills the imaging. I’ve tried fairly low racks. But the best is only the amp on a low amp stand.

Spit between the preamp and amp. Yes, it’s painful, putting a lot of money into the long interconnects but can be worth it. If you have found the perfect interconnect to go between preamp and amp… then save up, or just bite the bullet and order a long pair.

You can create a good sounding system or a great sounding system. The difference is effort and expense in the small stuff. For most of us, we get the components right, then the positioning, then cables, direct lines, treatments, lifters. Each makes another small contribution… ultimately leading to a spectacular sounding system.

Some folks are happy with very good sounding. That is fine. The real question is which kind of person are you? If you get a peak experience from achieving exquisite sound then all the extra work and expense is more than worth it.

I have the equipment on the side and use monoblocks at the speakers. So the balanced interconnects are 20 feet long, and the speaker cables are about 24 inches long.

Clearly, doing what Smith recommends is more troublesome if using an integrated amp.

I think as long as the equipment rack isn’t within the plane of the speakers it’s fine to have the rack on the front wall. My speakers are a good three ft. in front of the rack, so no issues. It’s those poor guys who try to combine home theater and music that have to worry since the rule of thumb is to have the speakers closely flanking the gigantic big screen tv. Now that’s a no no for good imaging with music.