Dog, I like this site, but I should mention that I've sometimes noticed a lack of audience analysis here. Some folks are pros while others are hobbyists, and the equipment sought by each group can differ greatly. Keep this in mind while reading posts.
My point is this: for serious hobbyists, like me, there are very some good monitor choices in the $300-500 range. M-Audio, Event, Tapco, and Behringer, for instance, all make decent monitors for recording non-pro CDS that still sound excellent, overall. I use them and produce good, clean recordings in my home studio, and when I want more quality, as I sometimes do,
I use a pro studio in town.
If, on the other hand, you plan to produce pro recordings for pro use, then you might want to upgrade your entire system and save enough money to do so. It seems to me from your post, though, that you're not in this group.
Otherwise, just try to get out there and hear some of the choices in your range, or do what I do: buy a few sets of competing brands and compare/contast them in your own home. Return what you don't need, and chalk up the small shipping charge
to a better final decision.
Good luck,
J.