Best nearfield monitor?

I would also recommend the SP Tech Timepiece. A very well engineered speaker that will provide excellent and detailed bass response and, will output SPL's that will crack the plaster on your walls long before it shows signs of stress.

http://www.4sptech.com/version2/timepiece2_features.html

For an active studio type monitor the Meyer Sound HD-1, although quite expensive is another well engineered full range monitor that can ouput extreme SPL's while sounding neutral and clear.

http://www.meyersound.com/products/studioseries/hd-1/

I listen to a lot of music in my office at my desk and have a used PSB, Epos, Spendor and currently Usher S-520's. I love them. They are rated down to 52Hz and give me a lot of detail and "space" whether played loudly or softly. And they're $400!

It sounds like you may enjoy some Reference 3a De Capo i's . A nice little standmount rated to 30hz. with only a capacitor as a crossover network . Quite an easy load requiring only @ 5 watts to drive . I use them in a small room , 10ft. X 10ft. , and nearfield at @ 6ft. Resolving without being harsh . Very clear and smooth .
The one caviet , they love tubes . I have not heard them sound their best with SS but some have .

Good luck .

Correction - make that down to 44hz. !

Sorry.

I've owned a number of very good monitors, and the best for the money that offer incredible clarity and a full range bass response is the Blue Sky System One. Jerry Harrison of the Talking Heads used the System One to remix the their CD's and was so impressed that he then bought a pair for critical listening at home.

The Blue Sky's are two powered monitors integrated with a powered sub that can be placed anywhere in the room with no bad effects on imaging (per Blue Sky humans are directionally challenged below 50hz).

Disclaimer: I was going to use the Blue Skys in a second system that did not materialize, so I will be selling them here or on a pro audio board - so take this recommendation with a grain of salt, but not too big:I'm not in this hobby for the money and would never recommend them if they were'nt great. Check the reviews.