In reply to:

and the 500 should be more than enough to be able to feel the base without having it cranked up to where my ears will bleed?

The bass? In an EP500? You'll be juuuust fine - so will your 8 closest neighbours. *laughs*

In reply to:

The black finish doesn't look polished to me?

It's Black Oak not Piano Black, maybe that's your issue? It resembles a black transparent stain on oak, not a paint and polish treatment.

Bren R.