Changing from "far-field" to near-field does require time for experienced listeners to acclimate, but I found it well worth it. Rather like going from in-room listening to headphones.
Years ago I invited my 8 and 9 year old nieces to sit in the chair. Music was already playing but when each sat down their eyes popped out in amazement as the room of sound congealed into solid images. That was with Cardas setup. Since then I've tweaked that and the speakers.
I've found near-field reduces room effects, deepens the soundstage (if like most you're space challenged), and brings you closer to the performance. It works best on coherent speakers that aren't "forward" sounding. Dipoles, horns, MTM/WMTMW, and arrays need not apply and even many 3-ways would struggle.