Recommend a desktop nearfield speaker for me


I'm a bit confused as to whether "bookshelf speakers" are designed to be listened to from a distance, or if they are suitable on a computer desk where the distance to the ear is only ~2 feet. Or, if they are equally good in both situations (which seems to be tough).

I understand that nearfield speakers are optimized for small distances, but they are mostly active speakers, and I need a passive speaker.

Could someone recommend a passive nearfield speaker or bookshelf speaker that works well at small distances, for use on a computer desk?

My tube amp (LTA UL+) puts out 20 Wpc into 8 ohms.

I'm considering:

1. DeVore micr/O
2. BBC LS3/5A speakers such as the Harbeth P3SR
3. Focal Aria 1, maybe Sopra 1 if I stretch my budget. However the recommended amp power is 25W - 150W whereas my amp is 20W, so might not be ideal.
4. Omega Super Alnico High Output

Which (or others) might be best suited for my amp and 2-feet distance use-case? Also, the smaller the better...

128x128atriya
@larsman

Yes... the Cabasse Rialto speakers are truly amazing in all respects.

I’ve resisted getting a pair because they are such a sophisticated, all-in one system, which I feared would be difficult to repair, if one of the several components within the system developed issues.

But - a one box solution with amazing sound quality for a very reasonable price. Very tempting!

...and then again, you could try something entirely different....just add sub. *G*

https://www.decwaretinyradials.com/

...learned of these earlier today, so the next question is....

"How ’near’ is nearfield for you?’

...you can even give ’em an ear or both for a moment or so....

As an omni-sort, 20x2+sub is Plenty for desktops....bedrooms, dining, bomb shelters....😏

Pity about the que, tho’....

@bassdude - indeed, and a nice thing is that in a different arrangement, I could mount them on stands and I've got a nice pair of active bookshelf speakers. In fact, I think more people use them for that than for near-field computer speakers, but the size and sound quality were right. The amps in those speakers are very heavy! 

I have a pair of LS-50s I power with a little Jolida tube amp. I didn't like them that much so they are on my workbench in the garage. When I'm up close, they are really decent. Stereophile had them as class A. I think they would be great for a desk top system with a low power amp.