Use the spikes. Get the spikes dead level on the floor. Stay well clear of walls and corners. Count on a couple hundred hours of break-in. They're pretty forgiving of placement...not one of those where an inch this way or that will make or break you. As in all things, listen, listen, listen. Then take a break, come back, and listen. Having a spouse or helper who will move them around while you sit still is an enormous advantage but warning: they ain't easy to move with the spikes down.
I'm not a tweakophile so I'm the wrong person to ask about esoteric speaker cables and the like. I do use a little Sonex on the wall behind the speakers and at the first reflection points on the walls and ceiling. That and a heavy rug is it for room mods. The room is 18 x 22 x 9.
Enjoy! I'm fairly sure they're the last speakers I will buy, a conviction I've never held before.
will