active near-field reference monitors ideal for home theater?

Is using active near-field reference monitors for home theater use ideal? The Denon AVR-4311 with Audyssey 11.1 technology and (11) Yamaha HS80M seems very appealing.

http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-HS80M-Studio-Reference-Monitor/dp/B000QPHCB4/

In the description of these speakers we see the terms "active", "near-field", and "reference monitors". I'm not sure about the near-field part, but otherwise I think these should be ideal for home theater. Can someone shed some expert light on the subject?

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4 Comments

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    Audyssey Labs

    First let's get one thing out of the way: "near field" is a term that has no meaning.  Good marketing, no science.  There, now I feel better.

    Active speakers have two benefits: (1) individual power amps for each driver and (2) active crossovers.  So, yes, I would recommend active speakers.  I can't get into specific model recommendations however...

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    Austin

    I'm not concerned about specific model recommendations, I already have some direction in that regard. Thanks for the input about "near field" though. Is there some research to back this up? I'm just wondering if they weren't intended to give the same reference level response at a distance, maybe not built to project with the same accuracy. I think we are on the same page, but I would like to solidify this if possible.

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    Audyssey Labs

    I don't have a specific reference. Typically, what is meant by marketing speak implies that "near field" is more "accurate" when you sit near the speaker as opposed to when you sit further away.  It just doesn't work that way. Either the speaker is properly designed or it's not. 

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    Austin

    I'm good with that. Thanks Chris.

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