<span style="font-family: tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Thanks for that info, Steven. The '90's/'00's are hazy for me, for some reason
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<span style="font-family: tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">My white Epic was used by my aunt from 1999-2003, and when she passed away I inherited it, and "loaned" it to my folks as their regular vacuum. It's been in regular service since, with not a single problem. I believe they may have had it serviced by Aerus a few times over those years. I've never experienced the problem with the suction relief valve; perhaps some are tighter than others? Although they're loud (but then, so are many current vacuums) and could have thinner wands, they're excellent machines. I'll definitely have to take a picture of the two Epics together tomorrow.</span>