I , too, have re-read the review and there are some observations by the reviewer that would merit further comment.
I have a room that is as deep as the reviewer at 30 ft, however, considerably narrower at 10 ft wide. The speakers are 7 1/2 ft from front wall ( not quite at 1/3 ) and 7 ft apart ( measured from center of panels ). I have found the speakers energize my room very evenly, just as the reviewer’s comment. I have an exercise machine at the back of the room, and I find that listening from that position is also enjoyable. Yes, I would be off from the horizontal axis but still not bad.
My seating positions have varied from 10 ft, 12ft, and 15ft from face of speakers. In the first two positions, I do hear a soundstage that emanates from the back of the speakers. On good recordings, the soundstage stretches well beyond the sides of the speakers. However, with the new found 15 ft distance, I am experiencing a soundstage that can be best described as immersive, like listening through head phones. The soundstage is stable and floats from the plane of the speakers. I assume this is where room nodes are canceled.
The placement of the ribbon tweeters to the inside was, I thought, acceptable wisdoms for the LFT-8’s. I think even Bruce recommends this arrangement, so it is quite a surprise to find the reviewer listened throughout with the tweeters to the outside. This is prompting me to experiment over the weekend.
The 8c is a significant evolution from the earlier models.I lived with 8b’s and upgraded. I am sure it is probably similar to lovers of the 8b upgrading to separate dipoles woofers.
There are a few equipment in my system that I have no inclination change, the Verdier TT, Trans-Fi Terminator tonearm, and the 8c’s. It’s hard to explain why this is. I know spending more money will get me more. But these three are keepers.