Mike, are you almost sitting right on top of your EP500? That may be why you are localizing it. With my old Klipsch PC set-up I had the sub right underneath in the computer cabinet and I was definitely able to localize it. If that is the case, I don't know what can be done to alleviate the problem.
I hear you about placement issues--whether it be furniture or significant others it is hard to place speakers where they sound best. Most of us just do the best we can and drool over the nice HT set-ups other members have!
If your needs require nearfield listening, you shouldn't need a whole lot of power and can look at inexpensive receivers. I haven't looked for a while, but most should have variable crossovers. At least, I hope. Maybe others can offer suggestions.
