I like going with smaller bow companies because they are generally less expensive than the better established, bigger, well known companies; I've had Parker, Wheeler, Newberry, etc.
However, customer service and longevity is always a risk with them. (Take Wheeler for instance) These smaller companies often times produce bows that are very big performers at far less the cost because they are trying to get a customer base built. The owners are also often bow and cam designers setting out on their own with the intent to put forth their radical designs that the company they used to work for would not gamble on, and thus paying off in some really neat and progressive bows. I've been hearing very good things about this new company and have been considering one of their bows as of late. You might give them a look. They are well under the $600 mark (minus shipping of course):
http://www.lakota-industries.com/LakotaArchery/LA_Specifications.htm