So your ears were happy BEFORE you were made aware? Those weirdo audio friends of yours are inducing audio neurosis.
If your system is in a living space-normal furniture, family,pets etc...maximizing the working area you can position the speakers may be the way to go. Then, relax and enjoy music.
Other than a dedicated space to get the speakers out in the room is a compromise. The rack in the center, isn't so much of a deal with speakers out in the room. Even the coffee table in front of your sofa is a deal killer.
Trust your ears.
If your system is in a living space-normal furniture, family,pets etc...maximizing the working area you can position the speakers may be the way to go. Then, relax and enjoy music.
Other than a dedicated space to get the speakers out in the room is a compromise. The rack in the center, isn't so much of a deal with speakers out in the room. Even the coffee table in front of your sofa is a deal killer.
Trust your ears.