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Can Any Bookshelf Speaker Be Used Nearfield?

Back with another question, to improve my system and my education!

I've asked for and seen recommendations for speakers to be used nearfield.  (For me that nearfield is on a large desk, with 42" between left and right woofers and 40" from woofers to my ears).  

Now I'd like to learn about what makes a great, or poor, nearfield speaker?  I have a large desk and have room for large monitors.  Can all bookshelf-sized speakers be used nearfield?  Why or why not?  There are a ton of terrific monitor-sized speakers listed here for sale, but understanding why some would work or not work will really help me narrow down the choices.

Thanks in advance for your help!
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avanti1960
1,411 posts
 
yes, but your results may vary.  
if you want the best sound you will need coherence between drivers at close range and an ability to adjust / variably plug the bass ports to tailor the bass response.
The KEF LS50s work well because the drivers are near point source and about as coherent as possible (perfectly blended woofer and tweeter at short distances)  and they have a 3-way adjustable bass port to reduce the bass if the enclosure is too close to reflective surfaces.  
donvito
395 posts
 
The Vandersteen VLR is made for desktop application!
https://www.vandersteen.com/categories/compact-speakers
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jazzman7
335 posts
 
I can highly recommend KEF LSX speakers for nearfield listening in a desktop application. The LSX are basically a mini version of the LS50 wireless speakers. They are active, powered speakers, with built in DAC and DSP.  All signals, including analog are processed in the digital domain (i.e. analog input goes through an adc (analog to digital conversion). It is very easy to use the KEF LSX control app to optimize the DSP parameters for desktop nearfield listening. I have both this system and my main rig up in Audiogon's Virtual Systems.  You can link to my desktop rig here:  https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/9168

djones51
4,947 posts
 
Get something designed for nearfield you’ll get better sound at lower volume as well as ear bleeding volume. Neuman KH120 or Genelec 8030C are perfect for less than 2 meters. They have some basic EQ which will help with desk bounce and bass. 
chorus
976 posts
 
Nearfield to me means limited bass but great Mids and uppers.
At a 2-5' distance.

Agreed?

Does that answer your question?

If you are asking for speaker suggestions, I would say the Rogers LS3/5a
$4.0 or you have the Gig Harbor Audio Bookshelves at $1.0. Below that it all a compromise.

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