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EP400 vs. EP500: really a big diff?
#402938 04/12/14 12:59 PM
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I'm deciding between an EP400 and EP500 for a mostly-music system in my home.

The room is about 410 sq feet with 8' ceilings, but everything is open in this home and the total area is about 1100 sq feet.

I know Axiom says the EP400 is meant only for small rooms such as single bedroom or den. But the V4 specs indicate only a 4 db difference in maximum room SPL. As I understand it, that would not equate to a very large difference in maximum *perceived loudness*, much less than 1.5x if this is correct (http://www.sengpielaudio.com/calculator-loudness.htm).

So, since the much smaller cabinet would be much appreciated, why is the EP500 considered so much more capable?

Re: EP400 vs. EP500: really a big diff?
wschwartz #402945 04/12/14 02:29 PM
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That is a pretty big space. A single sealed will struggle to pressurize it to a tactile level if that is what you are after. But if just to fill out a music track, it would be very pleasant.

Ported subs have more output within their specified range. A comparabe sealed unit has less than 1/2 the dynamic capability a ported does- when talking about sheer output.


But.....

Sealed subs sound tighter, decay faster (lower group delay) and do not suffer port chuffing or overhang.

I have been down both roads. I would sooner own 2 sealed to do the job of a single ported-or 2 ported. Sounds much better for music, and for movies it yields a much snappier response. smile

Re: EP400 vs. EP500: really a big diff?
wschwartz #402956 04/12/14 04:37 PM
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I was contemplating the same thing a couple of years ago.

For audio only, I have ended up with 2 X M2s plus 2 X EP-400s. This little system is stunningly musical that brings me more pleasure than any gear that I've owned in my 40 year journey through this pastime.

I invite you to read through this thread that documents my steps in finally acquiring this wonderful system:

http://www.axiomaudio.com/boards/ubbthreads.php/topics/380021/1

Any queries, just fire away...

TAM

Re: EP400 vs. EP500: really a big diff?
wschwartz #403060 04/14/14 11:35 AM
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As I understand it, the v4 EP500 is not ported.

I still don't understand why it is said to be much better suited to larger spaces that the EP400 when the max SPL difference is only 4db, equating to only a small increase in maximum perceived loudness if I understand correctly.

Re: EP400 vs. EP500: really a big diff?
wschwartz #403061 04/14/14 12:13 PM
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4 db is a huge audio gain... the 400 is an 8'' vs 500 12''

http://www.audioholics.com/room-acoustics/the-decibel-db

Re: EP400 vs. EP500: really a big diff?
exlabdriver #403064 04/14/14 01:11 PM
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Originally Posted By: exlabdriver
For audio only, I have ended up with 2 X M2s plus 2 X EP-400s. This little system is stunningly musical that brings me more pleasure than any gear that I've owned in my 40 year journey through this pastime...
TAM

Tam. I was incredible impressed by the treble and mid range in the M2 when I tested mine in 2.0, but found they were obviously lacking in bass. I'd love to compare them, paired with a sub, to the M60. I bet they would sound very close if not every bit as good as the M60.

To the OP, I was surprised at the bass output of the EP-400 when I listened to it. Unless you are listening to pipe organ music or something else with content down to 20Hz that the EP-400 would do very well.

Ask the folks at Axiom. They will not over sell you.


Fred

-------
Blujays1: Spending Fred's money one bottle at a time, no two... Oh crap!
Re: EP400 vs. EP500: really a big diff?
wschwartz #403073 04/14/14 04:32 PM
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fred:

For music listening up to 90 Dbs at my listening position, I don't think that any towers in the M60 price range will come close to equaling the M2s plus 2 EP400s, especially in the lowest registers. My auditioning of many brands of towers in the $1500/pr range seems to bear that out. The EP400 can reach down to below 20 Hz in a good room where no tower that I know of can unless the price is stratospheric.

The one disadvantage is the total cost of 2 EP400s but I looked at it as adding a couple of high quality 500 W/Ch amps as well. The M2s or M22s combined with an EP400 or two can be a wonderful, potent system.

For HT, I'd probably go with a couple of EP500 class subs just for a bit more horsepower that is required for dynamic movie sound tracks...

TAM

Re: EP400 vs. EP500: really a big diff?
fredk #403198 04/17/14 04:45 AM
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Originally Posted By: fredk

I was incredible impressed by the treble and mid range in the M2 when I tested mine in 2.0, but found they were obviously lacking in bass. I'd love to compare them, paired with a sub, to the M60. I bet they would sound very close if not every bit as good as the M60.

That was my experience with the M2 and M22's V2 I tried out a number of years ago. I doubt things have changed that much with the V3 and now the V4.


Jason
M80 v2
VP160 v3
QS8 v2
PB13 Ultra
Denon 3808
Samsung 85" Q70

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