Well, maybe not science. Let’s modify, and say I’d advise against M3-8s if you don’t have space to get them 12’+ away from your ears…I have bought exactly 2 sets of monitors (the other set being my KRK 5s I use for near field), so my knowledge is not where others may be…M3-8s are wonderful, pristine (I like this word), naked speakers, but they push the 100+db mark at 10 where mine sit, at small volume levels…I went out and bought a Behringer Ultralink to give myself some control. Not sure what I lose by attenuating the signal to them, but at least I can be in the room with them…