I went through a flurry of posting a few weeks ago... haggled a bit locally on a possible used non-axiom setup, which has fallen through... and am now determined to pull the trigger on an Axiom Epic 60 / 500 system in 5.1 THIS WEEKEND! (Finally!)

My last dilemma here... the latest comments by Craigsub re the Hsu VTF3-MkIII have me ready to go out and purchase one of those instead of the EP500.

However... I'm not necessarily sold on the idea! And I'm indecisive to begin with.

Anyone have any particularly brilliant comments that might help me figure it out?

I like the fact that the EP500 is a bit smaller. I like the fact that the Hsu is $350 cheaper ($725 vs $1080 from outlet...). In the opinion of Craigsub, the Hsu is the superior performer.

I'm sure I'll more likely be satisfied with the performance of either. So... it's smaller size (nice) vs $350 and allegedly a better performer.

Someone decide for me!

(P.S... I don't really want to order both and send one back...)

Be lazy and get the EP500 so you don't have to order from multiple places.

If the money isn't a huge issue, I'd say stick with the all Axiom route. All your finishes will match as well (if you're one who cares about such things).

I don't think that you could go wrong either way.

You would be able to give us a review of the Hsu sub with your Axiom speakers.

That's a pretty tough call. I think it all boils down to whether you want the finish to be the same and save on some floor space or save money and have a sub that is at least as good as the EP 500. Remember that even Craigs tests are somewhat subjective, you might have liked the 500 better. That is not a knock on Craig either I highly respect his opinions.

I agree with bug and wid--either way you get an awesome sub. You should have no remorse one way or the other.

Get the Hsu and post up a review. I'm interested to read about this new offering.

Regarding the finish... I'm grabbing a setup in black. If I change my mind (which I don't think is likely at this point) and go for a different finish, the EP500 would be the choice to match. But... since a black Hsu and a black EP500 are both going to do the trick, there's no finish advantage. I wish I liked one of the stock finishes better... I bought the samples and am not "thrilled" with any of them, but don't want to pay 22% over outlet prices for the custom finish. So, black it is. On the bright side, though... that means I can match a Hsu if I were to so choose.

If it makes any difference, Axiom ships for free. I think you'll have to pay for shipping on the HSU sub. This might help close the price gap a bit.

I'd go with the HSU personally but I'd go for the VTF-3 HO if it were my money. Its supposedly more nusical and almost matches the slam in movies. Everyone seems to love it. And it is stil a little cheaper!