[fjf]

Any near-field monitor will work fine at 3.5m.  The difference with hifi speakers is mainly the target consumer.  Monitors are aimed to the sound engineers, and it is more difficult to scam them than normal music lovers;  that's why the quality/cost ratio is usually MUCH better with monitors.  I use a couple of Focal Twin6 be as mi main speakers and I can assure you they sound magical.  The equivalent HiFi speakers from focal cost thousands more.  Go with monitors.

 

[El_Doug]

I had no idea they would work in such a setting - in that case, I second the recommendation to stick with monitors  
 
 
 
great, now I have to look into replacing my bookshelves...