I went to a high end stereo store after I had set up my HT to help a friend buy his speakers. I was satisfied with my HT, but asked the guy there where they recommend. He said, that for that set-up, to pull the couch away from the wall about 3-4 inches, and hang the speakers about 2-3 feet above your head firing at one another. I had them 2-3 feet firing forward. I went home, made a quick adjustment, and it made a HUGE improvement. Also, if you have end tables, it is pretty easy to hide them with some lamps. That seems to keep the wife happy.

Hope this helps some. I don't claim to be an expert, but I love this set-up.