Speakers were pulled way into the room but the room was big enough that the seats were far enough that you didn't get the feeling the speakers were going to fall on you!
The sound was relaxed, very dynamic when needed and put a towering image. The images were 2 to 3 times life size though so what you get is not ordinary imaging. Some complained that imaging was diffused. I think this was a factor in addition to the fact that a large room ultimately have has higher reverberation time.
In that regard, these speakers are ideal for orchestral or other large presentation type of music. If I were a fan of classical music or opera, these would be ideal candidates. For close in, jazz and blues music, you would either like them or not depending on whether you want an intimate or bigger than life presentation.
There were no other statement products at the show. Everyone else had brought speakers half the size/height of these. So these speakers stood out in my mind as the best of the show.
I went there twice. The first day I hid in the second row due to worries of getting thrown out of the room because of my Axpona coverage. I went there on the third day and said the heck with it and introduced myself. Got an angry look still but I guess they didn't feel like throwing me out.