Vandersteen 5A Speakers

Of course, you're right up to a point. Here's that point.
My comments were, that the size room he has, depending on which wall he uses, accommodates this.
About 8' listening distance is the reccommended for most 'fixed' time aligned, (I made that up, that was THIEL's).
So, if he goes three feet into the room,(with speaker placement) then comes a like three feet in,(into the room with his chair) he's about nine feet away,(allowing for the depth of the speaker), he's more than that minimum.
Again, I PERSONALLY would try it...that doesn't mean that any sane person would try it...but the drive for great audio, is almost a biological urge in my lexicon.

Good listening,
Larry

Larry, I too prefer a near field listening position. I currently sit a little over 9' from my speakers, though if the room allowed I would sit perhaps as much as another foot away. I was just concerned that some might take the "...I can put my chair where ever I want when litening {sic} time is available." , as an appropriate strategy for use with the Vandersteens.

By the way, the tilt chart in the 3A Sig manual also shows a minimum listening distance of 8 feet. However, the 5As are twice as deep as the 3As (20" vs. 10.5").

FYI gentleman
When referring to the tilt chart measurements should be taken from the middle of the speaker to the wall behind and side walls.
Cheers Johnnyr

Can you explain further how measurements to the front and side walls are used when referring to the tilt chart?