Equipment Rack Between Speakers...Good or Bad

I would first try pulling the speakers out past the equipment rack. (At least when listening)In my room,absolutely no comparison when speakers are pulled out vs close to the front wall. It goes from music coming out of speakers,to music floating. 

Geez, the chances are actually pretty good you’re sitting smack dab in the middle of a standing wave anyway so what’s the difference? What’s needed is a system. What’s needed is mapping out the whole room with a SPL meter. Then at least you have a baseline. Don’t be a cube, rube. Go ape! 🦍 

The important consideration is whether the rack is flush with the speakers, or behind them. IME, if the rack is at least a foot or more behind the plane of the baffles, there won’t be much if any detriment. The big exception is panel speakers, they're sensitive to any and everything.

@roxy54   If the picture on your page is your setup, it must sound horrible. youve got a pair of big speakers in what looks like a room with bare walls and bare floors and pushed against the corners. The rack is the least of your problems

I think an empty space, or a very low rack is best, especially if the rack is even with the speakers.  As people have pointed out, however, that is going to be room dependent.  I've got 8 feet between my speakers and definitely noticed improvements in imaging when I removed my TV for a day.  Unfortunately it simply has to be in the non-optimal position back between the speakers (along with all the equipment).  If that weren't the case I'd definitely shift to a side position if at all possible.  Thankfully I am able to place the speakers 4 feet or so in front of the TV/rack though.  Agreed that some pulling forward is critical...

Given your room, I agree that I don't think it would make a difference.  I doubt there's enough space there for the change to matter...