Best speakers under $500? Fire away!

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.

I have a NAD 3120 paired with a set of Wharfedale Diamond 10.1 speakers bi-wired and i am very happy with that combo. I would also be auditioning Elac B5 & B6 based on reviews if i was still looking.

Bose 301,  with the right set up and speaker position .Only complaint the speaker terminals suck elephant dick, big time .

I have been an audio retailer for decades. I might be politically incorrect in saying but I see a pattern of recommendations on sketchy information and experience. For instance, based upon my experience the original NAD 3020 drives speakers amazingly well. Additionally the overall sound quality of a speaker is more important than a speaker's sensitivity especially in the absence of knowing other factor such as listen habit. On the other hand it is encouraging that so many folks agree on the Elac speaker. It means there is hope yet!☺