I bought the wireless version, Matt, so they're connected via Bluetooth (and they're powered - 60w peak - so don't need an amp). Theoretically I could play them in another room (if I wanted to, that is).
I know what you mean about the webcam position. Mine's a bit too high as well, but it seems to be the least bad of the options (e.g. I could go with my display camera - it's about 2.5" lower - but isn't anywhere near the image quality).