Is it possible to have Good Imaging close to wall

Nvp:
"minimise the first order reflections and create a symmetric listening environment."
I agree. But James Romeyn, co-designer of new Audiokinesis speakers, has suggested one should try a bit of offset from full symmetry, like 1.5 inch (moving the whole "axis" of the system a bit towards one of the side walls). My room is a bit asymmetrical anyway, so it may not be needed in my case. He also suggested my sub (which I have to place close to the wall) would sound best with 90 degrees phase, which turned out to be right.

I would love to have a pair of large, good horns. Avantegarde would do nicely. Not sure I would have the right room for those though, but I would love to have the chance.

THe best horn speaker demo I have ever heard was a pair of large full range custom horns GoTo drivers and large bass modules, similar to Avantegarde perhaps, at Capital audiofest a few years back. THat was one occasion where the mbl demo was not fully up to snuff. The GoTo's got my personal best sound of show award that day, FWIW. Soundstage and imaging was not to the scale of the benchmark mbl demo, but still excellent and all the rest was exhilarating as well, with excllent trademark horn transients and dynamics. I only got to listen for 20 minutes or so though.

Here is a photo of those Goto horns at Capital Audiofest a few years back that I heard.

This was a top 5 all time most impressive system demo for me I would say. Not to mention the speakers, setup room and venue were all simply gorgeous.

Mapman - sounds like a good conclusion.
I am not going to sell my Dream Makers anywhere soon. I have no commercial connections. I suggest you try to get the chance to listen. It is the best I have heard so far. I have not heard MBLs but I have heard lively Bang Olufsen speakers trying the same, Martin Logans, etc. I can only say, in my system, I was lucky to get the Audiokinesis speakers.

Duke's speakers always catch my attention, though I have yet to hear.

Like I said, Duke is the man here when it comes to talking about and explaining these things. That goes a long way for me.