On, they detract from the telly too much, otherwise its a nice looking system with classy dark colours. i think if you look at drivers you expect sound to emanate from them, thus killing the imaging and imagination.
I've got to say....on. If it was solely for yourself I'd say off, but seeing as you need to appease your other half it has to be on. Looks alot cleaner, tidier and demure with them on.