After a few months of ownership, I highly recommend the BX8a Deluxe series. (I know, they are a little higher than $ amount mentioned but can be found in the $350 range)
Especially 'new' ones from a recent run at the factory. They seem to have fixed an issue they had previously. I bought right away when I heard they had started a fresh run, as even the people that had problems would still mention the incredible detail and depth of the speakers.
I got an 'inside word' that a new run was started with new methods.
I bought from an online store, but received the speakers shipped direct from factory, which wasn't normal from this vendor (they keep a stock). It was a speaker salesman there that let me know a fresh run was being done, and someone at M-Audio confirmed. Of course a problem was never acknowledged, but this new run was 'improved'...

For years now I have been a believer of getting powered monitors - everything comes matched for best results.


I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!