I have Martin Logan Aeon i towers 2.5' off my front wall with floor standing abfusors behind them. The absorbers/diffusors made a positive difference when I added them. I also had a vertical equipment rack near my left speaker at the same height as the electrostatic panel, and I was certain I was hearing the reflections off of it. I bought a new equipment rack that was lower and wider so it fit between the speakers (with the TV now on top of it), and getting the rack and gear out of the vicinity of the mid/high frequency beam fixed the reflection issue.
It is possible to hear differences in the music when you change the surroundings of these speakers. You don't need to have them 5' out into the room, but I would try to give them space as your room allows, and I'd try to get your equipment out of the way, even from the rear wave, or try to do some symmetrical diffusing as previously suggested.
It is possible to hear differences in the music when you change the surroundings of these speakers. You don't need to have them 5' out into the room, but I would try to give them space as your room allows, and I'd try to get your equipment out of the way, even from the rear wave, or try to do some symmetrical diffusing as previously suggested.