Typically having no big objects between the speakers and having the rear wall dampened (not reflective… so just paint or a tv) is a bad thing. But like about all things in this pursuit, it depends. I had my audio racks in between my speakers and a reflective wall above that when I had planar speakers… it did not cause a problem. Although I had to treat (dampen) a one foot high three foot wide section at about five feet up behind the speakers. I switched to dynampic speakers and the audio rack destroyed the sound stage where it was and the reflections above interfered with the imaging. So, for my current system, only my amp in between the speakers and the whole wall heavily dampened does the job.. so, it depends.
That Transformational piece of Gear We All Wish For
I suspect most of the music/audio lovers on this web site have wished for that piece of gear that literally transforms their system? I know i have. I have been going down this audio rabbit hole since the mid 70’s, and there have been a few pieces that made a really nice improvement to my system (the PS Audio P20 Power plant being one of them). However (and this comment only applies to pre-amps and amps and no other category), nothing that I can ever recall has so energized and improved my system in so many ways as my new pre-amp. I have owned some really fine brands in the past including Pass, Coda, ARC, PS Audio, Rowland, and more, but now I am a BAT Man for sure. The new pre-amp is the BAT VK-80 and I love that beast. I hope everyone reading this will get a chance someday to try one in their system. I know he is a controversial figure, but Kevin Deal's review of this piece is so right on. He really loves it too and rightfully so. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iv2swa55JXo
My system consists of:
Thiel 3.7 speakers
Coda 16 power amp
PS Audio DSD DAC MK II
PS Audio Perfect Wave transport
PS Audio P20 power plant
BAT VK 80 preamp