For a while I had my QS8s laying on their backs (so I wasn't covering/blocking any of the components) and it worked quite well. Initially they were sitting on bar stools so I could position them when needed. Then one was put on top of an armoir while the other still lived on the bar stool.
They are now mounted on the walls, but they performed quite well in these odd configurations for over 6 months. It was important to check SPL levels, but once done it was easy to remember where the stools went. I usually only use them when watching a movie (or HD sports event) and do my music listening in stereo.
So, all in all, it wasn't a bad temporary solution to have them on their backs with the "top" a few inches from the wall to give them some room to breath.
Rich
