EP 500 or EP 600 - Axiom Message Boards

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So, It's been months since I have posted. Hubby and I are finally ready to make the purchase to get our new set of axioms. SO now I'm wondering if we should get the EP 500 or 600. We are for sure getting the m80's. Our room is about 15x25 with 8ft sloping to 10 ft ceilings. Any thoughts? We bought the Denon 4306 so far. Any thoughts or suggestions appreciated

That's a tough one. Lot's of happy owners of 500s and 600s here. I own the EP500 and am very satisfied with it. Although if I tried out a 600 I might not be.

By the specs, the 600 plays just a bit lower and louder- but it is only "just a bit"- about 3 Hz lower and 2 dB louder. My 500 plays plenty loud and 2 dB is questionably a discernable change. I think the 3Hz lower may add some additional realism to modern soundtracks with really low bass.

If the budget is tight, I'd go with the 500- I don't think you will be dissapointed and it seems to be the best value. If you have the funds and want the best sub Axiom makes, then get the 600.

Your room is a good size, but either sub would do very well.

Dave said it beautifully. Agree completely, and have nothing to add.

I agree with Dave also and add that craigsub and others pointed out to me that the EP500 would cover 98% of sounds produced.

I have a pretty large room and my 500 does a great job. Before that my 350 was not to shabby. I'm sure the 600 would be awesome, just could not convice the wife we needed an extra end table.

Thanks Jack and Bugbitten for the support

When Randy says he has a pretty large room he doesn't do it justice- it's huge! A very big space for the 500 to fill... but it does

Just adding another 2 cents to echo these guys. My 500 shakes the room when it is only turned up to 1/4 or 1/3 of max volume. The step up to the 500 from the 350 is fairly big, but the step up to the 600 from the 500 is not so big.

Ablack, we're extremely happy with our 600 and bought it for the same same reasons we went with the 80s over the 60s (which I also have a pair of) ... because it was the top of the line product Axiom had to offer at the moment *and* we could afford it. Matter of fact we're so happy with it that we'll be adding another 600 in the very near future.

Either way, you'll be very happy.

Oh and BTW ... Welcome back!

If you do that Rick, it won't be the earthquakes of California we will need to worry about anymore.

I would have to agree with everyone above, they are both great subs, the reason I went with the 500 instead of the 600 was primarily the size of the 600 vs the 500, the 600 is 103lbs and almost 4ft high, the thought of wrestling that monster around makes my back ache

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I agree with Dave also and add that craigsub and others pointed out to me that the EP500 would cover 98% of sounds produced.

But if I had the bucks, I'd have a 600!

I upgraded from the 500 to the 600 and have no regrets. The 500 did just dandy, but the 600 simply outperforms it without question. Surprisingly, the biggest difference I noticed was stereo playback. It’s amazingly smooth and tight and blends extremely well with the M80’s for all music. If I can ever save up for a gloss black 600, I will be replacing the Outlaw LFM1 with it for my two channel system.

I would say just get the 600 if your budget will allow it.

we have the 600 in our theater, i havent had much time to listen to it but its definetly what i look for in a sub for sound quality, Although it is quite large so in anything less than a dedicated theater room like we have i think i might go with the 500. but if you want the biggest and baddest, 600 all the way

>>> If you do that Rick, it won't be the earthquakes of California we will need to worry about anymore.

Randy remember....having multiple (same) subs will not go any lower nor will they go any louder, they'll just fill the room more evenly and that's what we're after. Since moving our system into the dedicated room several months ago I am finding just how finicky single sub placement and tweaking can be and am in belief that multiple subs may be the way to go. A single 600 will certainly do some shaking though!

Rick, actually two subs widely separated(to help with room modes)will result in a 3dB increase in loudness. If they're positioned closely(within about a quarter wavelength)the increase can be as much as 6dB due to mutual reinforcement when that close.

>>> Rick, actually two subs widely separated(to help with room modes)will result in a 3dB increase in loudness. If they're positioned closely(within about a quarter wavelength)the increase can be as much as 6dB due to mutual reinforcement when that close.

Well then, that's an added bonus John ... great!

I was able to audition both, at my brothers house. I must say, the 500, when positioned correctly, will be LOUD! The 600 is the same way! LOUD! I am happy with my 600...and glad that the outlet offers a discount. I suppose, had I owned this home, I might get another one...but, for now, one does the trick darned well. I love it. The combination of the 600 and the 80's is all music to my ears....and the heart palpitations will agree.

Yeah, but if they're properly calibrated, by definition having multiple subs should not be any louder.

Yes, but you can turn the big volume control knob to LOUDER without the subs making horrible grunking noises

All this 500 and 600 talk makes me sad... lol.

Meh, I will have to continue dreaming... sorry for the useless post.

Decisions decisions.

I've owned a pair of 500s and a pair of 600s and they are outstanding subwoofers, far better than most subs I have heard especially some hyped ones I'd rather not name.

If you want that extra bit of performance then the 600 is one of the finest subs in the world. The extra performance comes from its larger enclosure, port and amp. Its not just that the 600 runs deeper and louder, the larger vortex port also makes a difference to the texture of the sound, there is virtually no colouring of the bass since port turbulence is non-existent. That is in no way a knock on the 500 since they share the same componentry and design characteristics. The 500 would be a step up in sound in just about any HT. Its just that the 600 is the no compromise version of the 500, a super 500 if you will.

Also with a room that size I would opt for a pair of 600s, or a pair of 500s. Multiple subwoofers really improve sound quality across more seats in an HT by smoothing many of the nulls and peaks. Either way congrats on choosing a spectacular subwoofer.