Large soundstage at 2 ft distance?

Um, the HSU HB1 MK2 are fantastic speakers. Detail level, speed of dynamics, everything is just way past any other $300 pair of bookshelves. I have had Ninja modded X-LS encores, Totem mites, Rainmakers, Usher 520s, among other bookshelves. These smash those except for the X-LS which were more dynamic but much more forward and punchy.

I have had several floor standers and have a nice pair of 550 MK@ Rockets downstairs; but they do not apply here.

The HB1s just flow. Smooth as a clear river.

go to a pro audio forum and look for nearfield monitors

I unclear on your requirements? Are you looking for a bookshelf speaker or a desktop computer speaker? Most "bookshelf" sized speakers will need to be stand mounted w/ some air around them in order to image properly.

I cleared the idea with HSU before I bought them. I built a 48" stand which includes my 26" monitor. The HB1s are 30" apart and 36" from the back wall. Still working on it but as it stands, they sound great.