I am going with the idea that this system is for HT first and music second:

The 500 is better than either the 3200 or the 12nsd, IMO. The 12-NSD is better than the 3200 at least for HT. The 12-nsd has a bit of a bump in FR at 50-60hz and it hits quite hard because of it. It makes music a little unnatural, at least to me. I think the Paradigm 3400 is more on par with the 12-nsd only smoother and the 500 would be that much stronger than either one IMO. Only you can decide if it is really worth the extra money.

Having said that I think you would be very happy with any of the subs you have mentioned. Have you considered the EP350 from Axiom? I think the EP350 is Axiom's best deal, it is a great sub and does very well with either music or movies, nearly the equal to the EP500, again IMO.


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