Equipment Rack Between Speakers...Good or Bad

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... 

Floorstanding GIK panels can also be useful in these circumstances.

is that a pioneer pd-s95? awesome transport... i had one for a time.