Best speakers under $500? Fire away!

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!☺

johndorsey... thank you for your input.  So............. with ecerything you have read, what is your recommendation?  ELAC UB5's or B6? Or another?

OK... I think I have narrowed down my choices to the ELAC Debut B6 and Wharfedale Diamond 10.1.  Both are roughly $259 shipped and can be returned easily.  Sensitivity is 86/87db for both.  

Any input on which way I should go?

Now for something completely different, if you can DIY a little, the Lx minis from Madisound  are in your price range. The caveat is that you need to biamp using the Linkwitz active crossover, which may blow your budget. These do the best staging I have heard in this price range, and look , er, awesome, if you are into steam punk

Not into DIY nor streaming punk.  But thank you for the suggestion!  :)