Geopolitis, frankly all of that is irrelevant for me. I don't know what is near-field for you but I the Contrivas are ten feet apart and I listen to them about ten feet from both. My room is well treated so I have no temptation to be closer.
Bear in mind that I am saying only that the Contriva diacera SEs at the RMAF after three days of breakin and on Ypsilon electronics sounded better than any of the Sunrays I have heard until the last day at this years CES being run with Bridge Audio electronics. That is my opinion, which of course, is all that matters. I am very happy with my Contrivas, but would never make your statement, as I think in all cases, that many factors affect what people hear.
Bear in mind that I am saying only that the Contriva diacera SEs at the RMAF after three days of breakin and on Ypsilon electronics sounded better than any of the Sunrays I have heard until the last day at this years CES being run with Bridge Audio electronics. That is my opinion, which of course, is all that matters. I am very happy with my Contrivas, but would never make your statement, as I think in all cases, that many factors affect what people hear.