I recently got a pair of Equator Audio D5's and they have really blown me away. Such a crisp, detailed sound. They don't do much below 50Hz so if you need to monitor below that frequency then you'll have to get a sub. $400 the pair - I got them in a sale for a bit less. I can't imagine a better monitor for the price. 
 
If you're worried about the room then spend a little extra and buy the ARC2 room correction system. I got that in a sale as well. My room is completely untreated and the difference that ARC2 makes is nothing short of stunning. Finally, bass sounds even - and it's also done wonders for the upper mids and highs. If your room is already treated then ARC2 is going to make less of a difference but it will definitely iron out what remaining problems you have, provided that you follow the instructions to the letter and do ALL of the microphone measurements. 

Thanks, Sharke.

I have the Yamaha HS80's.  I bought them a few years ago from Vintageking Audio.  They gave me a deal of $350 each.  Like some have said the room and placement can make a world of difference- in the bass response anyway.  I'm happy with these.  I've also heard great things about the new Presonus Sceptres- but haven't actually heard them. 

I totally agree with sharke about the ARC 2 system.  It removes the room from the equation and works with any monitors.  And, for a bonus, you get to keep the handy calibration mic which is an omni-directional condenser mic.  It can be had for about $200 (or better, if you can find it on sale).

If you can swing $800, a pair of Adam F7 monitors will make you smile every time you use them. I also have ARC with the F7s, and my mixes have never sounded better...

If you've "learned" your monitors, then you might want to stick with what you know.
 
Monitors are very subjective. I recently got a chance to check out KRK monitors because they're a Gibson brand. I had been using [expensive German speakers] previously. I tried the 5" Rockit G3 and it was fine for listening to things on my computer, but didn't compare to what I was using for mixing. The 8" G3 is a different story and excellent value for money, but I still wouldn't replace my [expensive German speakers] with it.
 
However, I tried the VXT series which is one step up from the Rockits, and did replace my previous speakers with the VXT 6. They've very honest, they don't "sweeten" your sound and since using them my mixes translate better than they ever have before. For whatever reason, I find them very non-fatiguing for long sessions. My only complaint is they pick up RF, so don't keep your iPhone next to it.
 
Of course I'd be expected to say nice things, hey it's a Gibson Brand, but check out these reviews from online. I feel they really nail what these speakers VXTs are about. They fly under most peoples' radar, but they're excellent and the price is reasonable considering how these compare to speakers that cost a lot more.
 
http://www.sweetwater.com.tore/detail/VXT6/reviews
 
http://www.musiciansfrien...content=review#reviews

Barefoot.  The more I work with them, the more I wish I could afford a pair. 
 
On a more realistic level, the Yamaha MPS 7s would be the way to go for under $1000 pair (I've seen them for about $700). 
 
Less than that is a crapshoot.  Yamaha's are always a good bet, tho.  The MPS 5's are great nearfields, or if you want bass the HS 8s are popular, and therefore bang for buck.  Too bad you need them today - GC and others always have nice sales, but, the next holiday is still weeks away.  GC always has 15% off then.
 
@ 

AndertonMonitors are very subjective. I recently got a chance to check out KRK monitors because they're a Gibson brand. I had been using [expensive German speakers] previously. I tried the 5" Rockit G3 and it was fine for listening to things on my computer, but didn't compare to what I was using for mixing. The 8" G3 is a different story and excellent value for money, but I still wouldn't replace my [expensive German speakers] with it.

BOLD: yep...very subjective.
As inferred it's about knowing one's monitors within their room environment as to how they'll translate to other mediums.
Almost two years ago I got lean and sold my 19 year old JBL4410's which I loved.
I replaced them (after doing a listening test at GC) with the KRK Rockit 8's G2 and after putting on my own CD they translated perfectly in my listening environment.
I paid 500$ for the pair and am quite satisfied with the purchase.
 
That's my take on it.
OP....good luck with your choice and happy spending.
http://www.amazon.com/KRK-RP8G2-Powered-Studio-Monitor/dp/B001A6IGDG
www.krksys.com/manuals/rokit/rokit_manual REV E - web.pdf
 
 
 

This forum never disappoints-- lots of good folks around here! Thanks to you all. I heard a pair of Yamaha HS8s today and they sounded pretty good (of course in my room they could sound very different). I can get a killer deal on them- $239 each. Anyone here using these?

pinguinotuerto
This forum never disappoints-- lots of good folks around here! Thanks to you all. I heard a pair of Yamaha HS8s today and they sounded pretty good (of course in my room they could sound very different). I can get a killer deal on them- $239 each. Anyone here using these?

Here's what I recommend. If there's a mastering studio around, ask to book 15 minutes of time. They'll be totally taken aback and tell you nothing can be done in 15 minutes. So you say "I just want to listen to a CD I know very well over really good speakers so I have a reference of what really good speakers sound like." They'll probably be so impressed with your diligence they'll let you come in for free for a few minutes.
 
Listen very, very carefully to the midrange detail. That's the hardest to get right and the greatest difference among speakers. Burn that sound in your aural memory, then go to a GC or wherever and listen to a bunch of speakers. But remember two CRUCIAL points about listening.
 
1. Match the levels precisely. Even a dB less level can make a speaker seem not as good. 
2. You're listening for accuracy, not pleasure. You want a speaker that's honest, which is why you want to compare to the kind of sound a good mastering engineer hears.
 
FYI the Rockit G8s that Quazelar mentions go for about the same price as the Yamahas. But don't get too hung up on what's "best." There are probably at least 10 speakers in your price range that would do the job for you.