I dare make no claim of "best" as this is highly subjective to your complementary components, listening environment, media source, music preference and listening habits, but I do like the Wharfedale Diamond 10.1 $249
http://www.musicdirect.com/p-15476-wharfedale-diamond-101-bookshelf-speakers-pr.aspx?utm_source=goog...
With current sale prices they fall well within your stilulated $500 budget with these highly recommended speaker stands: Wharfedale Diamand 10.1 (matched pair) $160
http://www.musicdirect.com/p-99915-wharfedale-diamond-101-102-speaker-stands-pr.aspx
The only remaining question is: Where do you find a great sub for $91?
http://www.musicdirect.com/p-15476-wharfedale-diamond-101-bookshelf-speakers-pr.aspx?utm_source=goog...
With current sale prices they fall well within your stilulated $500 budget with these highly recommended speaker stands: Wharfedale Diamand 10.1 (matched pair) $160
http://www.musicdirect.com/p-99915-wharfedale-diamond-101-102-speaker-stands-pr.aspx
The only remaining question is: Where do you find a great sub for $91?