Long time lurker, first post. Sitting in shopping cart now: 2 M60's, 1 VP150, 4 QS8's, 1 EP 500 - - all in High Gloss Cherry. And 4 wall mounts for the QS8's. Cost $3,587.20.

2 Samples that I ordered and have sitting next to computer 1 High Gloss Cherry, 1 Boston Cherry. I see that I can get the Boston Cherry on the outlet about $3,250 same package. Two questions that I wanted to ask before hitting the checkout button (gulp):

First, High Gloss Cherry sample looks real nice (Boston Cherry nice too). Clock is ticking on price increase and high gloss cherry going bye-bye. Time to make a decision either way. Was wondering if anyone has seen both finishes and has any comments? Figure it is about $350 more to go from the outlet Boston Cherry to the High Gloss Cherry. I am leaning toward the High Gloss Cherry b/c the sample really looks nice - - not sure if it is that much of a difference though for the extra $'s.

Second, is the EP500 worth the cost difference from the EP350? That extra $580 makes me ask. Never been a big bass person, but seems like lots of folks swear by the 500 compared to the 350.

B/n the high gloss cherry and the EP500, figure that adds about $950 or so which is why I figured I'd get some advice. I think I already have this upgraditis I keep reading about and I haven't even ordered yet...

Room is 14 feet wide, 20.5 feet long, 10 foot ceilings, 55" wall mounted plasma - - couch is about 15 feet back from the t.v. with t.v. on the short wall - viewing is the long way in the room. I have an Onkyo 803 (7.1). Mostly home theater - - 80%. The 20% music is Buffett, Marley, some rock, and local radio for wifie, top 40 type. Budget-wise, well was about 3 grand (before it was 2 grand), but hey, only live once and I am planning on having these speakers for a long, long time (that's what I keep telling my wife).

Jack, get the High Gloss. It sounds like you prefer it, so don't get buyer's remorse in the future to save a few bucks now. If you don't get what you truly want it will eat away at you. Since you're getting a complete set up, it doesn't really matter that the color will be discontinued.

Anyway, sounds like a great system you're putting together. Pics are a must when you get them (especially of the High Gloss).

Welcome Florida Jack.

I can't help you much on the finish options, as I've only owned Mansfield Beech and now custom Ebony Black for my theater room.

For subs, I started with an EP350 (1 year), then upgradeitis hit me once I moved everything downstairs to the larger room once it was finished. The EP500(1.5 yrs) did a much better job in the larger space. The 350 was ok, but the 500 gave a whole new experience to movies. If you are 80% HT, then you might want to consider the 500, it will really give you a better experience.

Recently, I've upgraded from the EP500 to an EP600. I know, I'm really sick and need treatment.

The only thing I would worry about with the High Gloss Cherry is:

1) reflections, which are not good for dark movie watching. This is why I switched out my mansfields, and they were just vinyl. I suspect the high gloss would really reflect light.

2) Down the road if you wanted to upgrade to m80's of maybe a different sub from Axiom, they won't have this finish anymore.

Good Luck...

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Second, is the EP500 worth the cost difference from the EP350?

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Most definitely, there is a world of difference between the two subs. I'm one of the several on this board that have upgraded from the EP350 to the EP500 and Imho the two are in different leagues. The EP350 will do a good job, the EP500 will rock the foundations.
I would also go with the High Gloss, the pictures I've seen of that finish are stunning.