One speaker observation from the New York Hifi show.

Newbee,

i have my speakers about three feet from the back wall, but, because I have a large room (25x23) I have plenty of room from the side walls. As you say, the major reason for toeing in is to avoid interaction with the side walls.

Twoleftears,

You could well be right about distancing the speakers further from the wall, but it’s not feasible in my situation.
Meanwhile, I’m experiencing really good imaging the way it is.

I can actually arrest that you’re right.  A friend of mine who has the same speakers, but places them  further from the back wall definitely has more front to back imaging than I do. I was wondering why.  You’ve answered my question.Thank you.
Ironically, though, his side to side imaging is not as good.  He has only a slight toe in.  
 if I want to keep my current marital status, though,  it may not be possible for me to move them.

I’m very happy you brought this topic up. I never would have known why I was missing that component.  Now I have to figure out a way to not let that knowledge drive me crazy!

GoldenEar’s speaker positioning recommendation is “8 inches or more from the wall behind the speaker” for balanced bass.
No mention is made concerning front to back imaging.
Strange.

Harrylavo,

Really excellent post. You’re entirely right.
But it’s fun trying to achieve that “holographic” imaging, even though it’s tortuous.

Even though my system images an orchestra better than live, it still doesn’t have that holographic effect some strive for (and some achieve.) That’s a “magic trick” brought about microphone placement.  No one sits where those microphones are placed in an orchestra.  Even in night clubs the mikes are placed in a position where almost no one sits.
One doesn’t get it sitting in the audience at a live orchestral performance.  What one does get is a more generalized sound which good stereos can reproduce.  Imaging is secondary to the overall effect.

Again, I agree with harrylavo. At live concerts, of which I attend many, I generally sit close up where one may hear the most directionality (certainly in the middle to rear of the auditorium, you hear very little.) But even in that position I don’t hear precise directionality, and still less front to back imaging.  Indeed, perhaps because of microphone placement, I get more exact imaging listening to good recordings than I do  sitting at my seat in the auditorium.