Best speakers under $500? Fire away!

B&W 685 and Monitor Audio Bronze 2 are safe bet very easy speakers to drive with excellent sound, The Infinity are very medicore speakers I wouldn’t touch them at all .

I can catch a great deal on Monitor Audio Bronze 1 speakers.  Is there a noticeable upgrade in the 2's?

The Bass in the 2’s is more deap and tight, better soundstage as well .However the 1’s are very good  too if you can’t afford the 2’s.

you're at the point 34dean where it becomes personal preference and system - many good suggestions - some like Infinity some B&W and some dislike them...you have a good amp - to some it is underpowered, to some it is ok...

Greetings, Have you tried the Marimbas' from Music Hall?  Musical with Pretty decent reviews and reasonable prices.  They are 6ohm and 87db efficient, so your receiver may work with these.  Talk to/ask the experts (which isn't me), all I know is that they sound good. 
Good luck...