I am starting to put together a system for a large room (16x20x12) and I am thinking of two speaker options to go with my rx-v2500. Which of these would work better in a room this size: 1)M60ti + EP350 or 2) M22ti + EP500, both with QS8s. Eventually, I plan to have a 9.1 system...

M60ti and EP350 if you insist on keeping the sub Axiom. Otherwise I'd suggest the M60ti mains and a Hsu VTF-3.

If you like the Rosewood finish on the VTF-3, it's on sale for the same price as the matte black! That's $200 off!

Craig (HSU) and I (SVS) tend to complement each other on this particular question . BTW - for that size room - definitely M60s.

Take a hard look a the SVS 20-39 PCi (cylinder) or it's box counterpart, the PB12-ISD.

Also, why not the EP500 to go with the M60s.

I guessing because the EP500 costs nearly twice what the EP350 or Hsu VTF-3 does.

Like everyone else, I say go with the M60s. If you don't care about looks the Hsu STF-3 is a great deal. The VTF-3R sale is great.

If you want to match the look and color of your M60s, the EP350 is a good sub, too.

Regarding 9.1, personally I think that's overkill. I think 5.1 is adequate for virtually all surround music, and most home theater. I can see 7.1 if you're crazy about home theater, but not 9.1. There's definitely a diminishing law of returns. You may get a bigger bang-for-the-buck upgrading the sub or using M80s vs going to 7.1 or 9.1. Just my opinion.