Near-field speaker placement

One needs to experiment for one's self. Can you position speakers along either wall? I have found it best when speakers are placed forward of front wall and away from side walls. Listener should be forward of back wall. This obviously becomes difficult in a room of your size. You may want to try true near field positioning. My idea of near field positioning is when the distance between speakers is greater than the distance from listener to the front of speakers. In my case the between speaker (center line of drivers) distance is 61/2' and distance from speakers is 51/2'.

The presentation of the soundstage, fore and aft of front of speaker, differs greatly between speakers. This greatly impacts speaker placement.  

Room treatment panels behind speakers and listener and at primary reflexion points along side walls improves soundstage and imaging. Check out forums on acoustic treatment.

If speakers are to be placed in front of the 9'wall (the front wall) this allows for greater distance behind speaker and listener. Toe in and sound panels at reflection points will allow for closer distance to side walls. 

Another acoustic improvement is to place equipment rack to side of listener, not between speakers. Since you have preamp/amp separates you can place amp on stand along one side wall, splitting distance between equipment rack and speakers with lengths of interconnects and speaker cable.

Please keep us informed as to what come come up with. Good luck!

Yes, bass traps in a small room. Also small rooms are best served by speakers that don't attempt the lowest octave.

Ray, that is the beauty of it, the soundstage/imaging can extend beyond the small room boundaries.  Having speakers placed along shorter wall allows for more space behind speakers and listener. Providing greater depth of field for soundstage. Absorption panels at reflexion points along side walls helps with most speakers.

Yes, I treated my small room very much the same. Made panels from material purchased from ATS acoustics. Was able to pick up supplies from them as I live in Illinois. Very inexpensive to make.

The bottom octave is 20-40Hz, or to some 16-32Hz, frequency range. I was thinking of those speakers that have a -3dB down point just below 50Hz or -6dB below 40HZ.  Something in that range. Prevents excessive excitation of bass modes.  I get plenty of bass from speakers that fit this description in my 15'X12'X8' room. 

Do you know the roll off for the NHT Classic Twos?

Don't give up, given that your room is not square and LxWxH all differ you should find an acceptable placement. I have a headphone system however do not hear it as a replacement for a speaker based one. Please keep us informed as you progress.  

I don't believe a 3-way speaker will provide any advantage in dispersion over a 2-way speaker. There are many excellent 2-way speakers that provide a wide soundstage that can be had for $1500 (new or used). I use Esoteric MG-10s, 7 1/2" 2-way speaker in a room ~14 x 12'.  Soundstage extends beyond side walls with some recordings.