. . . Keep in mind this is only an opinion of mine since I've never heard the 500. But I do know the EP800 very well, and I would have to say that I feel it gives up some intensity of those upper bass notes to bring me the full compliment of lower bass notes.
Micah,
It is most likely a perception. You can experience similar perceptions and prove their existence with double-blind listening tests. Identical speakers, except for a very, very slight insignificant difference in the upper treble (indiscernible for some panel memebers), will receive comments about differences in their bass even if they have identical bass response and output. Panelists who have not perceived the treble difference will judge them identical speakers (no comments on the bass). The opposite is also true (differences in bass will affect treble perception).
