Monitors For Near Field Low Volume Listening

May be worth checking out Tannoy Dual Concentric monitors.
Variety of models and prices, Autograph Mini would be interesting or DC4, DC8 models.

The Dual Concentric drivers have a really integrated 'locked in' sound in the nearfield.

Acoustic Energy AE1 is very good in near field, you can even place them very close to back wall to reinforce bass. I had the Signature version and it was very sweet.

Dynaudio Craft was designed for near field and against back wall, but Dynaudio in general do not sound good till high volume.

Usher BE-718 can be placed close to back wall, they are near full range and very sweet and extended on top. Your ARC should be able to power them well in that small space. I played my Usher in low volume and it had incredible amount of detail even at low volume.

Thanks for all of the suggestions! Time to do some research...

Stereomaniac,
Look into the Omega Super 6 Anico Monitors. I had these for a while and was extremely impressed with what they can do. I have since moved up the Omega line to the Super 8 Alnico XRS floostanders.
There is a classified ad for a pair here on the Gon for less than $1000.00 now. Or call Louis at Omega and disscuss with him your needs.

www.omegaloudspeakers.com

Chris

Another small monitor to look at is the PMC DB1+. When I originally hooked mine up I was sitting approximately 9 ft from the speakers and thought they sounded very good. When I moved up and sat on the foot stool I was amazed how good they were. This was 3 or 4 ft closer. They go surprisingly deep for their size.
Used price about $550-600, new I believe is $2K.