the V's are better. I don't own them now, so what I say is not biased. the 500 and now 501 is a more cost effective way to the V. all woofers in the 500 and 501 share the same cabinet, unlike the V. they are also approx 100lbs. lighter due to the simpler cabinet construction. A friend who has left this hobby own a pair that has sat unused for the past 18 months. let me know and I can put you in contact with him.