It is my understanding whether your volume (gain, loudness) knob is cranked all the way, or all the way down, your still getting all 500 watts, like Rick mentioned. The point is you need to set the dB levels the same with the other speakers, normally 75dB's is a good starting point. This can be accomplished by adjusting the levels of the sub on the sub AND the receiver in combination to achieve this level. So if you have the sub adjustment higher than normal, you will have to adjust the receivers sub level very low to achieve 75dBs, OR if you have the sub level very low, the receiver level will be adjusted higher to achieve the same level. On most subs, you can put the knob at the midway point, however, the EP subs gain is naturally higher than many other brands, this is why it has to be set very low. My 600 is 6 o'clock and my room is 30ft x 31ft x 9ft and it blows me out of the room.
