AR Surround,
Your most recent comment is relevant to my listening situation as well. More specifically:
1) I have always set the UMR controls to -3db on the AR9s. Unfortunately, I don't have an EQ to tone down bright recordings even further.
2) Now that I have new longer cables, I moved the speakers out from the rear wall 4.5 feet. They are 1 foot from the sidewalls with no toe in. Your correct, moving the speakers made a great improvement in the sound.
3) Also agree the AR5's are great speakers for classical music. In my opinion, the timbre of the instruments can't be beat. And yes, when I put on rock, I like more sizzle and almost always use the AR9s (or Sound Dynamics 300 TI's). I've never been fortunate enough to hear a pair of AR3a speakers nor the AR LST. Maybe someday my luck will change.