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EP500 subwoofer rumbling
#448340 01/14/25 03:51 AM
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Zak Offline OP
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Not sure what’s causing this, but about once a day I hear a fairly loud rumbling sound coming from my EP500.
My receiver is off when this happens, so it’s not getting a signal from AVR.

I’ve also noticed that my EP500 seems way quieter than it used to be, I used to leave volume dial at halfway position, but when I recently calibrated my room I had to turn the volume knob to 3/4, and also had to increase subwoofer channel on my Yamaha RX-A3070 to +10 (maximum) just to get 70 decibels on SPL meter.

Do you think my amp is going, or could woofer be bad?
The amp was already replaced once before, but I don’t think it’s under warranty any longer.

Here’s the amp I have, this is the newer design, not the original one it came with.
[Linked Image from i.ibb.co]

Last edited by Zak; 01/14/25 04:01 AM.

Panasonic TC-P65V10 65" Plasma
Sony KDL-55XBR8 55" LED LCD
Yamaha RX-A3070
Axiom Epic 60 - 500 (7.1)
Re: EP500 subwoofer rumbling
Zak #448341 01/14/25 04:55 AM
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It's the amp.

That's the newer amp but not the newest.


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Out in the mid or far field
Linearity and mid-woofers are over-rated
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Re: EP500 subwoofer rumbling
Mojo #448344 01/14/25 05:30 AM
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Zak Offline OP
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Originally Posted by Mojo
It's the amp.

That's the newer amp but not the newest.

Thank you, does Axiom sell replacement amps, or should I look into replacing the entire subwoofer? Not sure what I should do, keep as-is, get another EP500, or look at a different sub all together.

I checked with Grok AI to see what was comparable to EP500:

“If you're looking for a subwoofer similar to the Axiom EP500, here are a few options that share comparable qualities in terms of performance, technology, or price:

1. **SVS SB-1000 Pro** - This subwoofer is known for its deep, accurate bass and uses a DSP-controlled amplifier, similar to the Axiom EP500. It features a sealed cabinet design, offering tight and precise bass reproduction. The SB-1000 Pro has a 12-inch driver and a 325 watts RMS amplifier, making it a strong contender in the performance-to-price ratio, much like the EP500.[](https://www.hometheaterforum.com/community/threads/axiom-ep500-v2-vs-svs-sub.256811/)

2. **HSU Research VTF-15H Mk2** - HSU Research is renowned for their value and performance in subwoofers. The VTF-15H Mk2 includes a 15-inch driver and is known for its deep bass extension and high output capability. It's praised for its sound quality and build, offering a competitive alternative in terms of power and bass depth to the EP500. Although it doesn't use DSP, its tuning options and performance are often highlighted positively.[](https://www.hometheaterforum.com/community/threads/axiom-ep500-v2-vs-svs-sub.256811/)

3. **Rythmik Audio LV12R** - This subwoofer is another good match, particularly if you're interested in DSP technology. Rythmik uses a servo-controlled amplifier to ensure accurate bass reproduction, similar to the approach taken with the EP500's DSP. The LV12R has a 12-inch driver and is noted for its musicality and ability to handle both home theater and music listening with aplomb.[](https://www.hometheaterforum.com/community/threads/axiom-ep500-v2-vs-svs-sub.256811/)

Each of these subwoofers offers a blend of technology, performance, and price that aligns with what the Axiom EP500 provides. They are all well-regarded for their ability to deliver deep, clean bass in a home theater setting, and they have received positive reviews for their value and sound quality. Remember, the choice might also depend on specific room size, listening preferences, and aesthetic considerations.”

Last edited by Zak; 01/14/25 05:56 AM.

Panasonic TC-P65V10 65" Plasma
Sony KDL-55XBR8 55" LED LCD
Yamaha RX-A3070
Axiom Epic 60 - 500 (7.1)
Re: EP500 subwoofer rumbling
Zak #448345 01/14/25 09:53 AM
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The v4 DSP-based subs are nothing like the previous versions. All are now sealed, better braced, better amp, more refined sound-wise, and real wood veneer. I can't say enough good things about them. I have four 500s, two 600s and an 800 after living a nightmare with a 600v2 for 11 years.

If you liked your 500, you may want to call Axiom, remind them of the problems you experienced with it, your consideration of other subs, and then work them over to see if you can get an upgrade deal. If you can swing the 600, you'll enjoy bass articulation in music and sound effects in movies you didn't know existed.

The v4 are very addicting subs.


House of the Rising Sone
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Linearity and mid-woofers are over-rated
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Re: EP500 subwoofer rumbling
Zak #448347 01/14/25 08:17 PM
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I know better than to trust an AI. I asked Chat GTP what my book was about, and it spat out a lame generic spiel that doesn't take an AI to figure out that it didn't read it. smile

The DSP is the most important part in controlling the frequency response. Bigger, more expensive subs will play louder before compression or distortion. If the older EP500 was loud enough, it's fine to replace like with like.

I would consider keeping the old EP500 just in case you want to replace the amp module; there's a lot of benefits to having multiple subs.


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Zak #448354 01/15/25 01:49 AM
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Dating for Sex.
Zak #448355 01/15/25 01:49 AM
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