Structural beam in middle of listening room

I am no sound specialist, but I suggest trying any combination that is possible.
I, too, have an unusual listening situation and found my speaker placement to be 'unconventional', but it works.
The structural beam may be a problem, but I would start by listening. You can always add sound dampening/reflecting material later.
FWIW, the second position seems like it might work better. But, you should try it both ways.
You never know until you try...
BTW, I wish I had your speakers ;), the amp ain't bad either...
Bob

jferr0- Not trying to be a fuss-budget, but is it a beam (horizontal) or a column (vertical).  Obviously, two very different situations.

Swamp,
It is a 4inch diameter vertical column and it can be either right behind my head or about 2 feet in front of my face.
Bob,
This system is about 2 months new for me after 25 years in this hobby. Started in college with a DIY Dynaco st70 clone and Spica TC 50s, had a 15 year affair with Maggies and most recently had Odyssey Stratos with Loreleis which are phenomenal sound for the dollar.
The Pass/Wilsons are my dream system.
 Before my second child 8 years ago,  I had season tickets to the the NY Phiharmonic 2nd row center. The nearer field setup is remarkably close to that while the further out field is more mid-orchestra. I just wonder if the column could have adverse acoustic effects.
Best,
Joe

If it were me, the column right in front of my face would be a psychological non-starter. I'm no acoustician, but diffraction effects would seem to me to be more significant on direct sound rather than reflected from the rear wall.  OTOH, if you prefer mid-orchestra I'd go that way; if you prefer 2nd row, I'd go that way.  IOW, there is no right answer.