First, thanks for all the wonderful responses to my questions, as well as for the terrific advice I have lurked out of other posts. Really great stuff, and a great community!

Update... some cash has fallen into my lap as part of a mortgage refinance With that, I am ready to complete my HT speaker build out. I currently have a VP150, which not only is a work of art, but also made my other components sound so sloppy and archiac that it led me to this upgrade.

Known... I am set on the M60's and the QS8's for my 5.1 130 watt setup. That was easy.

Hard part... With the release of the EP350 V2, I am questioning my original sub choice of the EP500. I know, I know... bigger is better, but the specs on the new EP350 are interesting.

My current room and gear:

My room is:

18L X 14W X 10H

My amp is an old Sony 5.1 amp (st810 with and older Sony DVD player.)

Stats for LW12 sub:

12" speaker
Response - 30 Hz - 150 kHz
Watts - 150

So, the question is... since almost every sub Axiom has would be an upgrade, is the EP350 V2 my sweet spot (save cash and invest in some other AV upgrade,) or just go for the EP500?

I think the current CV LW12 is ok, for what it is. My first reaction is that the EP350 is enough considering my room size, and equipment. But if I have the funds I don't want to cheat myself. On the otherhand I don't want to overbuy.

Tough subjective question I know.... any feedback would be appreciated as always.

Other intangibles: Most listening is HT movies. Maybe 20% CD music.

Thanks in advance!

I couldn't easily find specs on the Sony amp you mentioned. However, unless it is an ES series, you might consider upgrading that piece. There are a lot of people who don't have great faith in Sony amplifier specs, and if it doesn't decode or switch things well, you might get audible improvement by going to a newer Denon, Yamaha, Onkyo, etc.

I'd definitely buy the EP350 first and see if there is any way that it doesn't satisfy you. You can always upgrade (I believe for free during the 30 day trial period). Or you could just try your new stuff with the old CV sub and see how you like it.

Ooops... sorry. It is a Sony STR-DE875

Specs are:

Product Details and Features
Product MPN
MPN strde875
Key Features
Type Receiver
Number of Channels 5.1 Channels
Stereo Mode Power 100 Watt @ 8 ohm, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, THD: 0.09%
Surround Mode Power 100 Watt @ 8 ohm, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, THD: 0.09%
Surround Sound Dolby Digital® • DTS® • Dolby Pro Logic II
THX Certification No
DSP
DSP Processor Type(s) 32 bit Processor x 1
DSP Modes Arena • Church • Cinema Studio EX A-C • Concert • Disco • Game • Headphone Theater • Jazz • Live • Mono Movie • Movie • Night Theater • Opera House • Semi C.Studio EX A-C • Stadium • Virtual
Inputs / Outputs
Rear Input Connectors RCA (2 Audio Channels) x 7 • Digital Coaxial x 1 • Digital Optical x 3 • Composite (Video) x 4 • S-Video x 3
Rear Output Connectors Digital Optical x 1 • Composite (Video) x 2 • S-Video x 2
Front A/V Connections Headphones x 1
Surround Analog Inputs 5.1 Channels x 1
Preamp Outputs Subwoofer

The EP350 will definately fill you space with plenty of pant flapping bass. A 10" woofer would do the job just as well.
Try checking Hsu Research (STF-2, and VTF-2), and Outlaw Audio LFM1-Compact. These subs are awesome performers, and they can be had for half the price of the axiom. Sorry axiom!
Check out the Hsu site. They have some tools in the FAQ section to help you pick the right sub for you space, and lots of reviews of there procucts.
Many axiom owners have a different brand sub.

Good Luck!

I know in recent blind AB tests the 350v3 did better overall than I believe one of HSU's higher end subs above these models, so price should not always be a factor. You can also almost get 2 350's from the outlet for the price of 1 500.

Pant flapping bass is a good thing. I also like sock-you-in-gut bass.

The EP500 is awesome, hard to recommend against it.