Is rack between speakers always less than ideal?

I'd worry more about what's at the first reflection points on the wall behind the speakers (front wall). I can't see much energy being reflected toward the listener from a rack between widely spaced speakers. The first reflection points are going to dominate and should be treated first.

I have tried moving my equipment to the side several times. I find the loss due to the longer ICs (balanced and single) makes that setup no good for me. So I always end up with my stuff between my speakers. I suppose it is a trade-off one way or the other.

Lower is definitely another option and one that I hope to explore soon. I'm planning on taking at least a foot out of the height of my stands and maybe spreading things out. Much like Stringgreen's amp, but with all of the rest of the sources close by. Short ICs and short speaker cables seem to work best for me and I realize not every one shares my preferences. Still, it is another option to try and get the best of both concepts.

I have used the advice from the Mapleshade website on system set-up and have been well pleased with the results. Pierre Sprey is my set-up guru and his recomendations are: very short interconnects and at least 8 foot speaker cables. I have my rack between the speakers and enjoy great sound. My Viper source to preamp ic's are 1/2 meter and from pre to amp is 1 meter. The Caldera speaker cables are 8ft. single bi-wire FYI. Since my 2 channel system is in the living room, looks are important so close shelves hide the wire (at least from in front of the system). So my answer to the question is NO, having the rack between speakers is not always less than ideal. Like Daverz has suggested I would like to add a solid wood diffuser panel directly behind the rig in the furture.

No, it is not "always" less than ideal. Let the space and ergonomics of the room be the deciding factor. If you look at my systems you will notice the different setups. Both systems soundstage just fine but as always a bit different. I would think the low/wide would be easiest to implement.

Having a TV, first a 36 XBR then a 40" monitor, between the main LR speakers did not interfere with 2 dimensional imaging, but it did with depth imaging. When I installed front projection, depth imaging substantially improved. I use balanced lines to the amps with short speaker leads with excellent result.

db