I have a friend who wants something for 500 bucks. I suggested a 2.1 system and he's looking at Polk R50's matched with an A2-300. Does this sound good or can he do better?

Small apartment with a mix a movies, games, and music

That sub might make his neighbors extremely mad... ;)

any other good recommendations on speakers in the same price range?

How about a HSU-STF-2 for about $383 shipped:

http://hsuresearch.com/products/stf-2.html

This sub might make the neighbors madder than hell...
but he can always turn it down at night or, whenever the
neighbors are not around, turn it up...also get HSU HB-T MK2
speakers for $165 link:

http://hsuresearch.com/products/hb-1.html

just my 2 cents, etc.....vardo

For $500 shipped he could step up to the A3-300 with upgraded driver.

edit: wait, is $500 for just the sub or speakers+sub?

For both speakers and sub 500 bucks. I recommended the A2-300 and he was looking at the Polk R50's. Can't do much better on a sub for the price based on opinions around here. Are these two a good match or would better speakers be advised if he can afford it?

Better speakers if he can afford it is always advised. ;)

It's kind of an apples/oranges thing though to compare a sub to speakers, IMO. The sub and R50 speakers will be fine together. The A2-300 would probably work better with some expensive B&W speakers, too, but then the B&Ws would probably sound better with an expensive A7-900 as well. It depends on what you want to spend.

There aren't many quality speakers for <$200 a pair so I think your original choice would be great.

The r50 and a2-300 are an awesome choice.. Cheap but very sweet.

you might also look at ed's speakers. i have the 5t5's for my LCR and enjoy them. i have ordered two more along with an a5-350 to complete my 5.1 system. ed does offer a 15% discount on packages.

For a $200 budget for speakers, check out the Energy C-200 at Audio Advisor!

Polk Audio Monitor 30 ($125/pair at amazon) were preferred over Hsu HB-1 and av123 x-ls http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/bookshelf/bookshelf-speaker-faceoff-2007

+ Hsu stf-1 at $300 or a2-300 at 315 would be a good compact setup well under $500.