Room Acoustics and Speaker Placement

Hi , I have the same scenario. I started with home theatre using option #2 having a combination of Klipsch Heritage and JBL studio on Sound Anchor stands. I then went to 2.1 same layout. Over time the wife factor crept in and I went to option #1 with a Plasma TV in the middle. When I shifted from the open back to the side wall the sound suffered. I then went low power tubes on the side wall and have been able to cope due to heavy carpet , heavy tapestry drapes and a huge cloth sectional.  But I’ve longed to go back to the open back configuration. I must say however that late night listening to female vocalist with NOS tubes on the side wall at low volume was very enjoyable.  My room is 17x 27 but the actual listening area is 17x17. The open back is a hardwood floor dining area. I just had a pair of Rogue M-180’s freshly brought up to Dark spec and the Tekton DI’s arrive Monday. I’m going back to #2 and look forward to room symmetry and room to breathe. I hope my ramble makes sense. Regards , Mike B. 

Oh also , as touched on above about side wall reflections. I rotate a SS amp on the side wall configuration and it really expands the soundstage and of course the volume. At this point the side wall and ceiling reflections  appear. Tube amp no problem, SS amp big problem. So the comments above from a couple members are very relevant and being familiar with their shares are meant to enlighten and not offend. I had that to experience that when I rotated in the SS amp. Hilde in particular is very well practiced at room treatment and very helpful to me for getting direction. Hope I’m not overstepping with my thoughts , as we’re here for a good time. Cheers , my Peers !