Nearfield listening

I had the opportunity to hear the Harbeth M40s at a true nearfield, (about three feet away, and 5 feet apart) in an acoustically treated room. Matching REL Stadium 111's, tube amplification, state of the art turntable ( sorry, I don't recollect more specifics ). Let me just say it was a transformative aural experience. As big as they were, when I closed my eyes those M40s just disappeared! I could almost reach out and touch the musicians as they played. Startlingly real 3D sound stage. I never knew what can be achieved with really high end equipment in a prepared environment. But my listening and my goals in approaching my sonic ideal are forever changed. I may never get there at home on my budget, but at least I now know what to aim for. As we can all tell by reading the great information available at A-gon, there are many different ways to get to our own musical Nirvana. The fun is in the quest. And I surely will try to get to that Promised Land.Thanks to A-gon for providing this great forum.

I listened to about 6 ft away on my main system ( Dunlavy V ) and about 5 ft for bedroom/study system (Dunlavy IV). My primary goal is to avoid room reflections. Works great.

Try ATC monitors. The models 11, 19 and 20s work great.

I'm 5 feet away from bigger Clements speakers 207 d i's and they are killer sounding and not in your face at all ,Some of the best i have have had with my stereo.

Coffeey,
I've been a proponent of 'nearfield listening' for about 30 years...not everyone will pay attention long enough to 'get it'...that being, eliminating room stuff till long after 'first arrival'...but nearfield is absolutely intoxicating.

Also, and off the subject, I wrote this on another post, touting, Renee Olstead...just trying to share the beauty of her voice and music.

01-31-11: Lrsky
Maybe I'm late to the party...but I've got to say that the finest talent, new to me, that I've heard in the past 20 years, is Renee Olstead.
She's just now 22 years old--but if one goes to youtube and watches her "Someone to Watch Over Me", that she performed at the ripe old age of 14...you'll hear someone who's voice sounds, angelic, beautiful, well seasoned and just beyond imagination. (Feel like Rod Serling with that one).
WOW, WOW, WOW, WOW.
She has two albums--I have both, and they're hypnotic--she takes ownership of every song she sings...they are hers once you've heard her sing them.
"A once in a generation or two, or three, voice!"

Larry