Congrats! You should be very happy with that configuration.

1) Yes, the longer cable is best- if it is of decent quality, the length won't matter to how it sounds, and you have more placement options.

2) Probably face it where you sit. I've wondered this before too. I had tried it both ways, and couldn't tell a difference. Most commonly it faces the listener. You decide, some others may provide additional (better) info.

Enjoy the system.

Dave.

-Dave

M80s VP150 QS8s EP500s
ravenmanor.com/cinema/