Best speakers under $500? Fire away!

Would also agree with TC-50. 
Also Epos Es-11 and Es-14. I used to sell them
25 years ago. Minimal crossover, easy loads. 

Was given a pair of Infinity Reference 162s as a warranty replacement from Harman. Thought I would sell them but I'm really impressed with them and now use them for my home theater. Excellent value at $450. $350 or lower New on eBay. Elacs are very good but the R162s are in the same ballpark IMHO. 

I dare make no claim of "best" as this is highly subjective to your complementary components, listening environment, media source, music preference and listening habits, but I do like the Wharfedale Diamond 10.1 $249
http://www.musicdirect.com/p-15476-wharfedale-diamond-101-bookshelf-speakers-pr.aspx?utm_source=goog...

With current sale prices they fall well within your stilulated $500 budget with these highly recommended speaker stands: Wharfedale Diamand 10.1 (matched pair) $160
http://www.musicdirect.com/p-99915-wharfedale-diamond-101-102-speaker-stands-pr.aspx

The only remaining question is: Where do you find a great sub for $91?

Just purchased a pair of Wharfdale Diamond 225's, which are featured in the current Stereophile issue.  Bought them on Amazon for $379, excellent build quality.  I burned them in for 2 weeks straight.  They sound pretty awesome for the price.  They're a bit laid back, which I like, but what really stands out is the bass!  No need for a sub in a small room.  I also own the Elac Debut 5, had Monitor Audio Bronze and Silver, and the Wharfdales are more musical. They don't sound as good as my Red Rose Monitors, which were around $1500, but for $379, they get pretty close.  Hope this helps those looking for new bookshelfs.

The Elac UB5's hands down, however I had a pair of the B6's and they were fine and easier to drive.  The UB5's, for the price, make such good sound they seem like a gift even though I paid the $499. 
Emotiva XDA 1-Sony SACD DVD- Van Alstine T8+-Job 225-Elac UB5's is what my system consists of.