Look,I really dont care if its a new design or not I am just saying I have a problem. It is not normal to have to turn the volume up past 12 o clock on the EP500 on everything just to get the driver moving and to hear it. And this is in a small bedroom with me right next to the sub. Its either the sub itself or the amp. That EP500 should blow that little bedroom away right? I welcome your input though, thanks.