Best speakers for near-field listening?

check out the eminent technology lft-11 - this is specifically designed for *really* nearfield applications - i.e. computer speakers. this is an audiophile planar loudspeaker w/two-6.5" dynamic drivers in a separate enclosure. get more info at: http://www.eminent-tech.com/lft11prod.html good luck, doug

AudioPhysics will be perfect for you.

If your taste goes toward brighter, detailed-sounding speakers and you don't need a whole lot of bass, check out the ProAc Studio 100's. They call them "Studio" 100's for a good reason -- they're made for nearfield monitoring. The port is even on the front so you can back them up close to a wall (not typical of ProAc design). You can find them in lots of pro studios around the world. Note: They mate well with Transparent cables.

I've had MMG's for over 4 years, and can definitely say that they do NOT work at such close distance (6 or 7 feet minimum, the planar emissive surface is very large compared to small cone speakers, and each driver panel does not sum in phase at closer distances...this should be common knowledge). I've owned Alesis Monitor Ones for 6 years now, and for the $300 new, they are the best buy out there! Recently, I got a pair of Norwex Nisse monitors to try, and they seem nice so far, they're $1000. I've not compared these with other monitor speakers, although most fans of this type think that the LS 3/5 is the standard by which the others are measured...mainly because they've been around for so long. I prefer soft domes, myself.

I would not hesitate to stick with the Meadowlarks (kestrels or shearwaters) and I think the Proac Studio 100 is an excellent recommendation (a colored but beautiful sounding speaker that you could sit right next to if you wanted. The key to enjoying sound in small rooms is stay small and stick with tubes. Best of luck