As an ex-physicist, I agree with you, shouldn't make a difference. As an obsessive RTFM-er, I do like having things the way it says in the manual smile I'll do a better job on the cabling when I'm reassembling on the new stand when I get it (and get the 551 back) - but something will cross somewhere as it's to the left of both speakrs.

*After the GL101, it was a slippery slope to this.*
Main: erm, watch this space smile Meridian Director, Linn LP12/Stack Serene/Basik Plus/K9, NAD 613
Eyes: Sony KDL-32WD, Humax FVP-5000T
Ears: Meridian Explorer, Meze Classic 99, Sony WH-1000XM, Bose QC30, Wharfedale DD1
Network: Marantz M-CR603, JRiver MC26, Intel NUC
Stands Unique, CFIs