@aj523
"I always wondered why I see all these high end systems and at dealers too with their racks between the speakers and think it’s got to negatively impact the image and soundstage."
I hear you, but for most of us there probably isn't a better solution. The common alternative is to place the equipment rack along a side wall, where it will still introduce uneven reflections, specially if there's no matching furniture on the OTHER side wall. A ventilated closet might work best sonically, but then remotes may not work, and you'll get no visual feedback from your gear via built-in displays and LED lights...
I think I'll keep my rack where it is, between the speakers and set back as far as possible, but I'm open to suggestions for improvement.
