Q: What does “near field” mean, exactly? In other words, how far away should I place my near field monitors?
A: For smaller 2-way or dual-concentric speakers, try them at about arm’s length (around three feet) away from you, with about that same distance between them.
This method generally works well with small two-way (or dual concentric) near fields. If you have larger monitors or three-way monitors the space between the drivers on the cabinet may dictate that they be placed a little further away. If you sit too close to monitors with multiple drivers or monitors that have a large distance between woofer and tweeter you will experience phase anomalies.