You really need that manual. Call Vandersteen and have them send you one, it's about $5. Vandersteen's are set up for tilt back using your ear height in the listening position and your distance from the speaker. It is very important this be correct. You've got to have the chart in the manual to get this correct.
As far placement, Vandersteen recommends the speakers be placed on odd divisions of the room length and width. For example, take the width of the room and divide by 3, 5 or 7, etc. Use the results to place the speakers on those spots. Do the same for the length. You place the speakers on the intersections and then fine tune by moving an inch or so in all directions. You need to keep them about 4 feet off the back wall and probably 3 feet or so from the sides if possible. Generally speaking, the farther from the back wall the better the soundstage and imaging. Bass is better closer to the wall, however. It's a compromise. NEVER have the speakers the same distance from the sides as they are from the back---bad carma! You can also use the thirds rule with the basic triangle where the speaker distance from each other is equal to the listening position distance from the speakers. Tow them in so they cross about 5 feet behind your chair. Usually, placing the speakers about 7 feet apart is adequate. You have to play with this a little. The acoustic center of the speaker is a point equal to half the speaker width and half the speaker depth. Where these two points cross is the acoustical center. Use this point for your measurements and placement. Have fun but get that manual!
