Depending on the specs, you can get a good Epi or a bad one. I've seen some Epis come with Grover tuners and all the good stuff (Gibson pickups etc.) in the higher end range. But if you were to get a lower end one, don't expect anything fancy. Epi's stock pickups are not that great IMO, I have never tried one that I like, they tend to sound dark and boomy. There are some people who prefer the more "vintage" response that they give over the more modern-sounding PRS SE pickups though. If you want some good Epis, look for the Elitist models, but that would be way more expensive than a PRS SE. I would say the quality standards on Epis have been better in recent years, but not enough for me to justify getting an Epi over an SE. But do keep in mind that I might be slightly biased since I'm an SE user.
I've always thought of the PRS SE as contenders for the Gibson entry-level line (Studio, or the more recent 50's, 60's, 70's Tribute models) instead of the standard Epis. While the Studio line is more stripped-down, PRS SEs are nearly full-bling, and the hardware quality is comparable to that of more expensive guitars. That said, it's up to your hands, ears and eyes, whether you fancy an Epi or a PRS SE. Try them out extensively, and put down the spec sheet. See which guitar gives you more "mojo" and go with it. No matter how high the quality of the guitar is, if it doesn't resonate with you, it's not a guitar for you. (But still, PRS SEs are more consistently higher in quality) :rock: