I am going to buy SOMETHING here in the next few weeks and the Sony 60" SXRD is looking like the choice.

What I want to know is if I should go the extra mile and pick up the XBR2. The PQ on the sets side by side at Sound Advice was too similar to really see a difference, but they were of course running an HD movie so I don't know what kind of PQ difference there would be on SD tv which I spend a lot of time watching.

All opinions and info would be greatly appreciated.

I had the 60 inch A2000 for a couple of months and it's a fine set. Once the 60XBR2 came out I switched to it. The XBR model has a lot more going for it. It has the ability to tweak picture controls that are not found on the A2000. I also like the TVGuide feature as I don't have (nor want) cable and since last Sunday, the Chicago-Sun-Times no longer prints TV prevue. I am very happy with the XBR2. You also get an extra bulb.

I also have an XBR2. When I was shopping in late October/Early November, the A2000's seemed to have a softer picture in side-by-side comparisons with DLP or XBR2 sets; especially visible in faces. I made the purchase of the XBR2 during the thanksgiving weekend sale because of the great price. Later I saw an A2000 next to a 70" XBR2 at Fry's and saw no difference in sharpness. The early production A2000 sets went out with an incorrect service mode parameter that made the image softer than normal. (See the Cnet review for details) When I saw the softer picture, it was (likely) because I was seeing early production A2000 sets.

Now that I have the XBR2, I'll probably just keep it since I got a good price. But if I was buying now, I'd probably at least try an A2000 at home for a while. I'm half-tempted to get a 60A2000 also, and compare them at home for a while and send one back.

The XBR2 also give you a cablecard slot, extra HDMI input, and the spare lamp. (Which has a lower lifetime rating than the A2000's lamp cause of the higher brightness.)

I'm in the same boat as Mark but I don't have my set yet. I bought a 60" XBR2 last weekend on the CC one day sale. It was such a good price at the time I could not pass it up. They did not have one locally so I still have time to cancel it if I want to. My main problem is the width of the set. With the dumbo ear speakers I will have to get rid of my audio cabinet (very nice one) and find a stand low enough to not get the set too high and at the same time fit 6 components and a center channel speaker on it.

I went to Fry's this morning to compare some sets and I still like the picture of the XBR2 best. The 60A2000 is close and the cabinet is a better fit but I like some of the extras the XBR2 provides.

Decisions,decisions :D

Good luck in you search but I would go for the XBR2 if you have the room.

Jim

I wonder if it didn't say 'Sony' how the results would be? ;)

My main problem is the width of the set. With the dumbo ear speakers I will have to get rid of my audio cabinet (very nice one) and find a stand low enough to not get the set too high and at the same time fit 6 components and a center channel speaker on it.

I
Jim

Can't you take the dumbo ears off and use your front speakers in lieu of the set speakers?

^^^Only on the 70" model. The 60"s don't come off.

Jim

I had no need for the extra features on the XBR-2, at least not $700 worth of need, and really don't like the side speakers--makes the set look like something out of a late 50's "home of the future."

Thanks for the help everyone....

My XBR2 arrives on monday. Brandsmart made me an offer I could not refuse.

$2898

I wouldn't pay $700 more for for the XBR2, I know that.

Thanks for the help everyone....

My XBR2 arrives on monday. Brandsmart made me an offer I could not refuse.

$2898

You made the right choice Shafty :)

Thanks for the help everyone....

My XBR2 arrives on monday. Brandsmart made me an offer I could not refuse.

$2898

Enjoy Shafty- You made the right choice. Don't lose that second bulb included free with your set- saving $ 299.

My $2000.00 60A-2000 is a great set. I don't need or want one way cable card. Even the digital cable tuner in this set is a waste of money without two way cable card.

Richard.

no way. Even if you take away the Sony green glob sxrd design defect, the 1080p DLPs blow away the Sonys in picture quality.

no way. Even if you take away the Sony green glob sxrd design defect, the 1080p DLPs blow away the Sonys in picture quality.


Your kidding right. Besides the fact that you are a Sony basher and spew untrue statements left and right. The Sony A2000 and the XBR2 blow any of the DLPs out of the water. In overall picture quality and especially in dark scene detail.
Go away troll.

All SXRD, even the XBR2 have the Green Glob design defect. The pushed the edges closer the physics will allow which results in the color distortion call the green glob and is a green hazey donut in the center of the screen usually, although its shape can very. All sxrds have the defect and cannot be repaired, no matter how many times the light engine is replaced.
your best best is to get a decent tv like the Mitsubishi DLP. It has recieved the highest rating of any tv ever on CNET
http://reviews.cnet.com/Mitsubishi_WD_65831/4505-6484_7-32121615.html?tag=lst

so the answere is no. Its not even worth no cash

All SXRD, even the XBR2 have the Green Glob design defect. The pushed the edges closer the physics will allow which results in the color distortion call the green glob and is a green hazey donut in the center of the screen usually, although its shape can very. All sxrds have the defect and cannot be repaired, no matter how many times the light engine is replaced.
your best best is to get a decent tv like the Mitsubishi DLP. It has recieved the highest rating of any tv ever on CNET
http://reviews.cnet.com/Mitsubishi_WD_65831/4505-6484_7-32121615.html?tag=lst

so the answere is no. Its not even worth no cash


Troll

Thanks everyone for the info and voting...

My 60" Xbr2 arrives today....$2898 Brandsmart Sunrise, FL

See you on the owners thread!!