Marantz vp12s4 ($2700) vs Sanyo plv-z2000 ($2200) vs Panasonic PT-AE2000u ($2700)

Has anyone compared these projectors? what do you guys recommend?

Heck, I'll chime in for what its worth. IF you don't need the features that those two newer models provide in addition to 1080p AND you can't benefit all that much just by having 1080p (referring to seating distance here mostly) - that Marantz is a sure winner. The most flexible placement for a DLP, Dark Chip 3, premium Optics and built-in calibration make the Marantz very attractive at that price. The reviews were all stellar from what I've found.

No rub against those other two PJ's but isn't the Marantz arguably in a class way above?

No matter what, the PJ still has to be right for your room. Is the light output enough for you on the Marantz? I think the other two would be brighter especially the Panny.

actually i heard that the marantz can output 600 lumens at 6500k, which cornucopious for a 100" screen.

since i've never seen a 1080p projector let alone compared to a high end 720p, my dilemma is decide between high contrast and excellent colors, or larger image and average colors.

If the Marantz is a LCD. I would go with a 1080p. on LCD is make tons of difference. I saw the AX200 vs the AE2000 in a store, there's no comparison between the two. The AE2000 looked like a large Plasma screen, the AX200 looked blurry, there were a 1500$ LCD Sony too next to it, witch reminded me of my Z4, no comparison. Once you see the Grid, whatever distance you are, once you see it , you're dead and the 1080p is worth it just for that.

I'am waiting for it to reach 1999$CAD so i'll upgrade then...

the marantz is actually a DC3 DLP
i think its much better than the ax200