Speakers for extremely close listening

I am not sure if this can be called "extreme nearfield listening", but I wonder whether some kind of audio bliss is achievable within an extremely narrow space?? I am talking about listening distance of not more than 3 feet (or around 1 meter) from the speakers.

Of course headphones could be an option, but I would rather not having to wear headphones. Just personal preferences.

The listening spot will be at a corner of a small room, with book shelves lining the walls behind and beside it. The speakers will be quite close to the wall -- one feet or less.

I do not have any amp for the speakers yet, but I plan to use some SS integrated amp and with CD as the only source. Due to many factors tubes are out of question for me.

As this will be a third system for me, I would like to keep the budget to be less than $1500 used. This system will mainly be used to play rock, electronica, and vocal pop, as well as post-rock, alternative rock and even metal music. So bass needs to have good impact and deepness.

The speakers will have to be small monitor size. Floor-standing will not do, because the speakers will be put just beyond my working desk.

I have given it a few thoughts. Perhaps you can see if they make sense:

- with such close distance, would a single driver or co-axial driver unit be much more desirable? My gut feeling says a 2-way co-axial driver like the KEF Uni-Q unit may be the best for any achievable imaging.

- also because of the close distance, I think the sensitivity requirement can be relaxed somewhat. So I am considering quite insensitive speakers too.

- since the speakers will be very close to the wall, I think the bass response could be reinforced. Does it mean that speakers with a low-end frequency rolloff at 80Hz or even 100Hz should be OK?

- I am not sure whether a port-reflex or tight cabinet is better?

I would try to do audition if possible, but I would also like to hear what you think about this. At the moment, Dynaudio, B&W, KEF, ATC, Linn, Sonus Faber are some of the brands I am considering.

Thanks
Patrick