I'm eager to try all these out as soon as I get home. 

This is my set up as follows:

Project Debut Carbon

Rega Brio R Integrated Amp

Monitor Audio BX2 connected with Chord Silverscreen leads 1m length

They are placed on a natural oak table propped on two stands, generally I have not had any resonance issues. I live in a five room apartment (1400 sq ft) with an odd shaped living room (like a 7).

Does that affect my ability to apply the sumiko method considering I can only move my speakers within the constraints of a table? I honestly do not have much of an option moving the table. Would love to provide pics for your valuable opinion. 

I do have a couple classic jazz standards like Brubeck on mono LP. Except I do not have balance control. 

I have been playing around with speaker placements since the day I purchased them and have found my optimal listening placement to be near the edge of the table, away from the walls (80cm) and toed in so the sides of the speakers can't be seen. 

I recently purchased a copy of John Mayer's "Where the Light is Live in LA" LP and I believe what I experienced was similar to your descriptions of audio bliss. Unfortunately that quality is only achieved in the listening position not outside. 

However I would like to acquire the skill of achieving room lock regardless of theequipment and room.

Also could you share more about selecting the best seats in the house. I'm a huge fan of live music and yes I do notice differences in different positions in a listening hall. 

Keep the advice coming and know that the young blood appreciates it!

The basic concept of the Sumiko method of speaker placement is unrelated to room dimensions.  You are trying to get the BEST sound out of your speakers working with what you have.  Obviously as the room is improved acoustically and your equipment selection is improved in fidelity---your results will get better.  But Sumiko itself is not about the room.  It is about VOICING.

Room lock happens when the position of the speaker transfers as close to 100% of its natural dynamic energy into the room as possible.  The sound becomes more powerful, less boomy and clearer...  The unmasking of previously hidden detail comes along with the ride.  It can be described as "an absence of mud."  Well recorded STEREO vocals recorded in a natural environment like Jennifer Warnes---will POP out and take on flesh and blood reality.  The bass will get deeper and the notes of the bass better pitch defined.

Another indispensible reference you simply must purchase is Jim Smith's "Get Better Sound."  Jim is exactly like ME.  He like me has considerable experience in room setup, tuning and voicing.  There are too many little but important details in his book for you to even consider not memorizing it.  There is very little emphasis on equipment upgrading.  A lot of discussion on how to get what you already own to function better.

Having said that I submit that if you live long enough and make enough money to afford it you should consider cracking the glass ceiling and once you get results----go spend the necessary 20,000 to own real live "breathing" equipment that is worthy of your attention.

For right now have a blast with lower cost tools, sharpening your skills, your ears and saving up for the day you move to another price point on a total SYSTEM.  What you have sounds like plenty to start with---the biggest improvement you can make at this point is KNOWLEDGE.

All I know about best seats at a venue is that there is a lot of reflected and diffused energy sapping NOISE at most concerts.  In general you want to have a natural stereo spread.  The classic position is at the apex of an equilateral triangle with the left and right sides of the venue forming the front legs and your seat at the tip of the triangle facing the performers.  Moving too close to a rear wall MIGHT cause excessive bass boost and bloat.  But a little bass retention is a good thing.  I prefer a nice angle of view somewhat low (not nosebleed) dead center and a little bit away from the back wall if there is one.

Have fun.  I am at this moment continuing to explore the limits of my brand new listening room.  This stuff gets easier the more you do it.  Each day's progress resetting my equipment is making very dramatic improvements in the "you are there and THEY are here"  department.  I have promised myself a new amp when this is all over and I know nothing is left on the table.  At that point I will be able to judge WHICH amp should STAY and which do not match.  Until then it would be foolish to guess what qualities I will require.

When this is over I will KNOW.  And knowledge is POWER,

Have a blast my young pal.  This stuff will reward you for a lifetime of listening.  There is music out there which you and I have yet to hear.  Great audio is like a powerful  drug.  Get hooked.  Enjoy.  Life is short.  Music is intoxicating.