Best Desktop Speakers under $500

Just an FYI if anyone's still looking: check out your local BestBuy for a returned, open pair of Klipsch R-41PM speakers. 

I went darn near crazy checking all the reviews and videos and saw that these are considered a great buy for a desktop system. Going deeper into the rabbit hole I came across them for $280 ( returned but in excellent shape) and hurried my butt down to get them. They work great and are a bargain compared to what it would cost to get another pair of Audioengine A2, or anything close to them.

All the best,
Nonoise

If you are willing to stretch the budget just a bit, I recommend used Kef LS50s. I use them to great effect.  They face my kitchen, so do double duty to keep me entertained while I destroy good food.  

I see them available now between $600-700.

Used Canton GL 260. Recap them with good caps. Still way better than most of the new bookshelf/desktop speakers.