You'll also generally get better image depth and deeper, wider, better soundstaging with no equipment rack between your speakers. I think it is a good trade to run a longer pre to power balanced IC and keep the rack out of the soundstage.
Room setup vs. longer interconnects
I've set up a nice, 2-channel system in a newly finished basement and am having a debate about placement of equipment. I have a Power II from Sonic Frontiers set by itself between the 2 speakers. The rest of the system is off to the side of the room, closer to the listening position (very clean and simple looking). I've heard that shorter interconnects are better in all cases, however I am a fan of the way the room looks as described. The visual focus of the room is the amp, which is quite relaxing when listening at night. My question becomes this: How detrimental are interconnects (between the pre-amp and the amp) that measure 6+ meters? What suggestions can be made for choosing an interconnect that performs well at longer lengths?