good questions- when I clap, the sound comes from my hands, but with a short "reverb" effect that dies out quicly. There's a basement under the room, but the floor is very solid when I stomp on the floor and the sound deadens very quickly. Also, there are openings on all 3 walls that the stereo is not against. the Studio 2's sounded great in the room, as do the Stages. I have the Stages about 3' from the corner, few inches out from wall (there's a "sweet spot" there I can hear when I move them in and out), and the 3/4" ply under the front. I could try a stand, but not sure I need it.