The a/v guys are recommending the Sim2 C3X 1080 T2, Sim2 anamorphic lens, stewart cinecurve screen and genelec speakers. I saw the Sim2 and was blown away - but was also blown away by the price. I'm good with the other equipment choices but considering a Sony VPL VW series projector or the JVC DLA series. Any thoughts or recommendations?

This is going to be a really personal choice. If you're really into high end audio, the difference between a $50,000 stereo setup and a $5,000 one will be readily discernible and justifiable (and worth the price difference in enjoyment).

Similarly, the difference between the top of the line JVC or Sony and the Sim2 is going to depend on what the differences are worth to you. There is very little chance that you will look at a calibrated RS20 and be disappointed in any way, but to an enthusiast, the differences in a Sim2 Lumis may be worth it.

To bring it down to a more practical sphere, I would say it is more worth the price difference if you need the extra brightness that the Sim2 offers. Or put another way, the Sim2 will allow for a bigger screen size, all else being equal, while still meeting or beating (arguably) the JVC in picture quality.

I'm not an expert on Sim2 projectors, but I know the C3X is an older model and that the new Sim2 Lumis blows it out of the water for about the same price. (Unless they have started to drop the C3X prices significantly recently).

Regards

Good to see that its not only the high end forum that gets these threads, but also how remarkably consistent the profile is. :D

The comments are very helpful. I wasn't aware that Sim had come out with a new projector so I will track down the rep.

nothing beats a 3 chip 1080p DLP projector but then again nothing is as expensive as one