I have a new portable near field setup Basically I move my computer desk to the middle of the room. That way I have an adjustable near field setup that's also in the sweet spot of my main rig. If I am expecting any company, this whole shebang is on castors and can be put back against the wall. Only have to disconnect the power strip and one Y cable. and just re-rout it behind either end of the sofa. I could do this easier with a laptop and an E-Z chair but I just dislike laptops. I like the little command setup of my desk.
The reason I did this, is because I have multiple pairs of speakers I like to listen to different ways and I don't have to deal with much in the way of room modes, even with the larger rig using the near field style arrangement.
Nobody's ever really lived in the living room here and all social activity has been around the kitchen table so, it doesn't really put anyone out and I have zero interior fashion worries as far as anyone else is concerned, nor could I care less.
Like you, I do not care for laptops either. Never have. Bought me a tablet or two and both did nothing but collect dust. Honestly, that is why I do not have a smart phone. Why would I? All it would do most of the time is collect dust. Just a waste of my money imho.
You know part of my plans, so here goes the rest of them. Very soon I hope to get this computer desk:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Z-Line-Designs-Cherry-Workstations-ZL2200-01WSU/203488837
Seen this actually go for as low as $107 w/free shipping! When I catch it a bit cheaper than $131, I will order it. The top shelf is 49" wide. I plan to put my 24" desktop monitor in the middle and my Diamond 220's on each side of my monitor. Then, my 2nd set of bookshelfs will be on stands angled in on each corner towards my seating position. Going to order a 2nd set of Mo-Pads as well.
The Outlaw 2160 has both an A or B speaker output. Plenty of power and lots of features. Can even connect my desktop directly to the 2160 via USB. If I get to move to where I hope, my new place will be a bit bigger than where I am now. The Z-Line Cyrus Workstation is a bit large. Using (2) sets of bookshelfs with one set on stands will also add to the space/room needed. Might wait until I get moved before buying the Z-Line desk though.
Not even concerned about my TV sound anymore. Hope to buy a soundbar ONLY to enhance the dialogue to the point that I can hear it better. Really don't watch that much TV to warrant anything above and beyond that. If I can hear the dialogue better, then I would have achieved my goal. Looking at the Vizio soundbars as we speak. Not going to spend very much on a soundbar/soundbase. Just no need for it.
If I opt for the studio monitor route again, then I will only use that one set. As mentioned, the Focal Alpha 65's are of high contention:
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Alpha65
Also considering these although they are a bit more:
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SceptreS6
Keep in mind, it is doubtful that I will go the studio monitor route again. Just leaving it as an option for me and my needs. The JBL 305's sounded fantastic too when I had them. Not to mention, they are much more affordable. It just all depends on my funds, the deal, and more importantly, my health.
Cheers,
Phil