This is pretty much the bible on this sort of thing.
https://www.amazon.com/Sound-Reproduction-Psychoacoustics-Loudspeakers-Engineering/dp/113892136X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=sound+reproduction&qid=1557327758&s=gateway&sr=8-1
Also REW analysis software is free and you can do quite a detailed analysis with an inexpensive calibrated Mic.
It is however possible to get very good sound in rooms that have some compromises for usability and it doesn't require a phd in acoustics. However putting your stereo on a convenient wall without much thought wont get you there either. 80/20 guideline applies here.