The space between the speakers

Can you pull the speakers out into the room a bit when in use ?

Good luck .

There will always be compromises! In an all out setup, where you could ideally maneuver the speakers around in the room for best sound (from many different acoustical aspects), then you will likely improve things. (of course, you might get lucky, "as-is"). Still, you will enjoy the system (granted you can balance the sound (I suggest with such a purchase of such price speakers, that you invest in a Rives PARC, to balance out the bass), sure.
Just because your setup may or may not be ideal, doesn't mean that I would necessarily throw the idea out.
It's all good ...some's just better than others. That's all.
However, I like to put smaller speakers in smaller rooms, as I think it makes a better balance.
Good luck

I agree with stringreen. As little as possible between the speakers is the optimal way to do things. Yes, people put big ole honking entertainment centers and big screen tvs there because they have no choice. And yes it will sound pretty good. But just realize you aren't getting all the system has to offer when it's set up like that.

Shakey

Stringreen,

I would think it would be more the soundstaging than imaging that would be compromised. I myself have a similar size cabinet between my two speakers and have pulled my speakers out to where the fronts are approximately 12" in front of the cabinet. Imaging is quite good from side to side and extends beyond the sides of the speakers. Soundstaging is not bad either, as I get good height but I will say the "stage" itself is not as deep (front to back) as I would like it to be. Of course, if the cabinet wasn't in the way, I would get another three foot of "stage" depth. As it is, the stage seems to extend from the front of cabinet to about five or six foot out into my living from. Of course, my system is set up in a "real world" enviroment, as are most peoples, and I've had to accept some necessary compromises because of that. Nevertheless, I'm satified sonically with what I was able to achieve

With most speakers, the distance from the wall behind will make more of a difference, especially in tonal balance. The cabinet's impact is usually reduction in image specificity and soundstaging. It depends on what matters to you. Good room acoustic treatment will help somewhat to counter the problem.
Check out rives.com, realtraps.com and audioasylum.com's acousticsforum to educate yourself on the topic. corner bass traps and absorptive panels at 1st reflection points will help greatly in most situations. Cheers,
Spencer