You can stay with with your original budget and get a pair of Sony SS-CS5M2 speakers (around $250). They sound pretty good.
https://electronics.sony.com/audio/speakers/home-theater-speakers/p/sscs5m2
When you have some extra cash, add this Verafi Caldera 10 subwoofer for $200.
https://verafiaudiollc.com/products/vanguard-caldera-10-active-subwoofer
You should be good to go, thereafter.
My original budget was around $250 but someone told me to hold out more for something better. I've got my eyes on some Wharfedales but still cant decide because I'm seeing mixed reviews

