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

Love my gorgeous powered Audioengine 2+ in red gloss finish with included stands. Those on the desk, paired with cheap subwoofer on the floor, all under $500 not counting the high-end cables that came free from the Currently Disused Cable Drawer. You feel the fresh breeze in your face when the 3" woofers kick in. (That said, I did no comparisons before buying. When now-or-never discount offer hits your inbox, you just buy and don't look sideways).