Yep, that's the difference I found in sound using my new 26" stands, well into my listening room area. Soundstage horizontal extension, transparency, air between instruments, imaging and deeper bass, all tangible improvements.
Only drawback (maybe not), is my bass went from very live and not too deep, to deeper but more subtle. That is, being farther away from reflecting walls made the bass less evident and less intrusive, while at the same time developing a deeper tone. I love the depth but could use some more presence. I guess I need to put some spikes under those stands?
Anyway, I'm so happy and relieved! I was getting concerned not to be able to listen to my new gear's real potential until now. It is still breaking-in, so I expect further improvement, but now I can really enjoy my sessions without those worries.
I found the speakers' toe-out did not make evident difference now, as compared to straightforward placement. I guess since now there's plenty of free space for the sound waves to expand (my speakers are now about 30% farther away from each other, horizontally), toe-out is inmaterial. In any event, the speakers are also some 3.5 ft away from the back wall and you can feel an important portion of the sound going around the speakers as opposed to getting a direct reflection from that back wall like before.
I just wanted to give credit where credit's due: Great suggestions from both Will and Lon, thanks guys