Speakers near fireplace

When I had Vandersteen 2CE Sig speakers, one of the 8 inch woofer surrounds (rubber) came unglued from the cone so I sent it back to Vandersteen for repair (out of warranty).  When I got the new woofer back, there was a note in the box from Richard Vandersteen stating that the surround separated because the speaker must have been too close to the baseboard heat.  I would think hard about putting them near the fireplace for this very reason. 

Thanks Grannyring and lak. I'll have to check on whether the landlord will allow me to drill holes in the floor.

Thanks Stereo5 - that type of concern was why I posted.  It's probably a good idea to check with Richard Vandersteen on the maximum temp the rear of the speaker can see.
I don't have many other placement options - if needed, I can put them where I get best sq, and move if I light a fire.

I plan in the not too distant future to get some Quatro CTs, which I believe I can put further away. I don't think I want to put the 2s in the corner like I can with CTs. I'll experiment with them their first and see how it goes.  
   
I will probably see if I can get Johnny R to come over and set up the 2s in this new home and comment on the CTs and their placement.

Thanks again.

The fireplace will absolutely affect SQ.

You might want to experiment with panels of different
material that are cut to match the fp opening.

It should be possible to have your cake and eat
it too: a nice looking setup when the fireplace is
cool, good sound when also playing music
(with or without a back panel), and the ability to move
the speakers and the panel away, when things get hot.

bearskin rug and SQ be darned!!!!!!

just kidding..

two out of three pairs of Vandersteens we own flank fireplaces. The 7 and before that 5a were for years powered by an Ayre amp off to the side. On unequal wire length for a time and phase accurate speaker designed for biwiring, I and I believe the designer would advise equal lengths, you can always always listen and let your ears guide you. I managed to get the Ayre stereo amp close enough to use two 9’ wires..Have monoblocks now so the XLR for the right channel crosses the FP insert.
In our Condo system w TREO they also flank FP, equal length Kimber that will eventually get routed thru walls and under firebox.

IF you want to experiment in absorbtion inexpensively, I recommend 4 x 2’ x 2’ SONEX foam panels on a 1/4” Luan plywood backer.

have fun

I am sure Johnny R will have lots of input.

IF you do go equal length, do not create an inductor ( coil ) with the short side wire.....a large diameter coil Ok, loop back and forth is better !