Amp/deck placement....

Is there a "general" rule? In an ideal world, should the "electronics" be placed inside or outside of the loudspeaker span, or is it of no consequence?

 

Not in corner, not at a first/second reflection point, not in a resonant bass zone.

 

You can have both by placing your speakers completely forward of your electronics.

 

I like to put the source components and preamp in a rack on the side wall near the listening chair, and run long (balanced) interconnects to the amp. I put the amp on a stand between but slightly behind the speakers. Short speaker wires are nice; and I can actually read the displays on the preamp and DAC. Also, there's no large equipment rack to mess with the imaging.