Speakers without hats

[Reachable]

I'm considering getting a pair of AudioEngine A2s. I would have to buy them sound-unheard, but that is not much of problem considering the universal good reviews (and they're just too cute.)

I would place them inside a recess on my desk, underneath the monitor shelf. The front of the speakers might be positioned to protrude a bit, or maybe not. There would only be about 1/2" clearance between the top of the speakers and the shelf. is there any danger of that creating artifacts?

I'd been using a Cambridge Soundworks Radio, 10 years old, as my computer speakers. It just ceased to function. I was perfectly happy with its sound. It was in the same recess, with about 3" of clearance.

For the sake of all necessary caution, I ask the question above. TIA