Volent Paragon VL-2 or Monitor Audio Platinum?

I'm interested about the VL2. What concerns me is that they are back ported and my listening space is only 17 ft X 12 ft. How much breathing space do they need? Can I get away by placing them 18" away from the side and back walls? I ran into a german audiphile magazine and it seems (google translate) the reviewer mentioned it may not be the best speaker for rock/indie rock. Majority of my listening is indie rock/classic rock and post punk. Given how transparent they are, I'm not sure if they are the best choice for rock genre. Btw, I'm not a head banger, so max SPL is not a concern. Being an apartment dweller, good sound quality at low volume is a must and from the reviews it seems VL 2 has it in spades. It'd be of great help if any Volent owner can shade some light here regarding their performance in indie rock genre (read Radiohead, Interpol, The National, Death Cab for cutie, Joy Division, The Beatles etc).

I have Volents and I think they are terrific speakers, but I wouldn't say they are "made" for rock. You might find better alternatives for that.

I own them and normally use them in my 12x16 office, in a bookshelf! I have stuffed the ports, which reduces the bass. It is still slightly too strong, but I live with it quite happily, as the other qualities are so wonderful. Strangely, in my open 16x20 living room, away from walls, the bass is stronger yet. In the nearfield they offer about the best sound I've ever heard. Others that have heard them in my office haven't been bothered by too much bass either.
I think the German article was referring to their ultimate loudness capability, which is more than adequate for most listeners, but not headbangers or loud parties in large rooms. I listen to a lot of music, including hard rock, and I don't think they favor anything. They don't highlight problems, and are always "musical" at all volume levels, and are extremely focused.
Unfortunately, as always, only setting them up in your room will ultimately tell the tale.

Jmbatkh, Thanks for the insight. Whats your opinion about their upper bass/lower midrange? Are they on the leaner side of the spectrum or thinner/warmer side?

Branislav, Thanks for your response. I'd like to hear your opinion regarding their lower midrange/upper bass too. IMO a bit fuller sound at that freq band is always helpful for the kind of music I listen to. Anything comes to your mind regarding 'better alternatives'?

You know, in all honesty, I can't say if their upper bass is more full and warm or lean and dry. A lot of that will have to do with the electronics you use. One switch on my interconnects will make it go from ying to yang and vice versa.I do have to say their bass is very good, as is the rest of the spectrum. One thing to keep in mind is that they are quite revealing and in my opinion an upfront/lively/revealing speaker (though I wouldn't call them aggressive), which means a lot of effort has to be put in the rest of the equipment. I would recommend a laid back cd player and amplifier. Also one of their minor points is that their image is a bit smaller than life...yes they do have good depth, and width, but their height is a bit limited (at least in my case). But of course I'm coming from an omnidirectional speaker that threw a huge soundstage, but a lot of the details were left to your imagination and low level resolution were barely average. Eveything has pros and cons. Hope that helps somewhat.