Recommended new speakers for under $500?

cambridge soundworks classic model six- 149 bucks

I have to second Mapmans' suggestion of checking out the Ohm's. Amazing speakers.

These days there are many many takes on what's the best way to create a $500 speaker, give or take a couple hundred. At around $700 there's the Totem Mite. For $479 there's the PSB Image B25, and for less there's the glossy little Usher you mentioned.

For an all-rounder, I like the PSB. It's 4 dB more sensitive than the Usher, which is equivalent to more than doubling your amplifier power. Its power handling is much higher than the other two, it has more bass extension, its on-axis frequency response is as linear as an expensive speaker, and its dispersion pattern is smooth and wide.

I'd take PSB over Usher in general and agree with Johnny's assessment.

NHT has a good choice under $500 and you can now buy direct from the factory, on line. They have a good return policy so you can decide for yourself after you hook them up to your rig. In home demo is the best way to buy.