Wow, very tastefully done and full utilization of the available space. Did you draw the plans or just have a grand idea and the architect put it into reality?
Any reason besides the obvious that you went straight to the 501's from the 252?
We designed the house and the basement was intended to be fully utilized as an entertainment center with a bar, 2CH listening area, wife's workout area, craft area and HT (see all the pix further up in the thread). It's a walkout with lots of natural lighting and gets lots of use...my office is to the left of the listening area so a lot of work is done with music playing, but I never,
almost never, walk over and sit in the sweet spot during working hours

Regarding the MAC saga, the 252 was purchased new but had a problem which necessitated replacement so since we were back to square one, I took advantage of the opportunity to move up to the 501s without a depreciation hit on the 252. The MC252 is a great amp but the difference between it and the monoblocks is stunning.
Thanks to all for the comments.
Gavin