Best speaker in nearfield listening

Thanks for all the greta suggestions.

Danvetc,
I have never heard the Harbeth's but would love to. How would you charcterize their sound? I like a detailed open sounding speaker. I have had e-stats previously and have valued these virtues.

Prostarsound,

The Refernce 3A is another speaker that is getting raves. These are larger than the MM De Capo??

Glide3,

I heard the Audio Physic's at the NY show, they sounded very good. Also liked Joseph Audio and Triangle.. a very energetic speaker.

great not greta:)

'rino at prosound has a pair of sonus faber extremas f/s in yer price-range, w/stands; dunno how they'd do in the nearfield, tho...

Hiflyer, the Harbeths are often compared to electrostatics in their midrange clarity. More dynamic with sufficient power. The AP Virgos would also be a great choice, one you might prefer if imaging and soundstaging are paramount. Only thing is, I think they are kind of deep and you'll need to have them pretty far out into the room.

Re: Sonus Faber Extremas. I listen to mine in the nearfield as far out from the long wall as possible. Speakers and chair form a 7 ft. equilateral triangle. ENORMOUS soundstage, up to 180 deg. with some recordings. No or minimal room effect. The absolute best I've been able to find for my room (12X18). You'll need 200w/ch. though to get the best out of them.