Best Desktop Speakers under $500

As I am unable to make my “desktop dream setup” a reality (Croft Integrated & Harbeth P3ESR), I’ll have to live with my current set up.

Minimus 7 speakers (I upgraded the crossover to the Ziltch circuit) and once I’m done rebuilding it, a 4 watt EL84 based Heathkit SA-3 integrated will be driving them. 
As it stands, these ridiculously inexpensive speakers sound far better than they should. There is a reason why these cheap little things have such a cult following. The xover mod made a night and day difference.

Not fatiguing in any way, shape or form.

Aside from the questions about powered/passive etc,  , how much real estate do you have for the speakers? Footprint, both real and visual, may have some limitations.

+1 dbtom2. Audio engine is the bomb- small but full. They may come in white.

Radio Shack Optimus Lineaum speakers. EBay is your friend. 

My Audioengine 2 desktop speakers started showing their age (many years now) with an irritating buzz coming from the left speaker that's getting worse with time so I, too, have been looking for a nice replacement. Glad this thread came up. 

Just now, I came upon this video from YouTube, recommended from all the research I've been doing. Looks like you can get a nice assortment to choose from apart from the Audioengine and Kanto lines that seem to be so popular of late.

It's hard for me to decide.

All the best,
Nonoise