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Is a Brand new Marantz VP-15s1 a good buy for $5000?

post #1 of 41
2/3/11 at 9:46am
Thread Starter 
Hey I am building a HT and our dealer has a new VP-15s1 left on shelf and said he would give us a good deal on it. I am aware that Marantz vp15s1 was the top of the line projector about two years ago and has very good reviews. But is it outdated? And are there better projectors out there in the same price range? (JVC, Sony)?
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post #2 of 41
2/3/11 at 10:20am
Its certainly not worth $5000 thats for sure. At a guess its worth a few hundred, maybe a grand at most. There are vastly better projectors available, anything from the new range of JVC, Sony, Epson etc will be a lot better.

I'd find a new dealer if thats the sort of advice he is giving. He's trying to dump old unsold stock onto you at an extortionate price.
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post #3 of 41
2/3/11 at 10:29am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul Butler View Post

Its certainly not worth $5000 thats for sure. At a guess its worth a few hundred, maybe a grand at most. There are vastly better projectors available, anything from the new range of JVC, Sony, Epson etc will be a lot better.

I'd find a new dealer if thats the sort of advice he is giving. He's trying to dump old unsold stock onto you at an extortionate price.

Hey Paul what do you suggest in that range? $5000-$7000 range.
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post #4 of 41
2/3/11 at 12:43pm
It's a tough sell really. The optics are great in the Marantz projectors, but pretty outdated compared to the better value and contrast ratios from projectors by JVC or Sony. I think I might be wrong but that might have a smaller .65" chip set, making it not as sharp as a .90" chip set (found in higher end 11s1 set).
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post #5 of 41
2/3/11 at 12:58pm
Take a look at the JVC RS-40 and save a few dollars - I think you'll be happier with it and can test the 3D waters at the same time (a little more money for glasses and emitter).
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post #6 of 41
2/3/11 at 1:02pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Deja Vu View Post
Take a look at the JVC RS-40 and save a few dollars - I think you'll be happier with it and can test the 3D waters at the same time (a little more money for glasses and emitter).
Yep, what he said!
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post #7 of 41
2/3/11 at 1:57pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul Butler View Post
Its certainly not worth $5000 thats for sure. At a guess its worth a few hundred, maybe a grand at most. There are vastly better projectors available, anything from the new range of JVC, Sony, Epson etc will be a lot better.

I'd find a new dealer if thats the sort of advice he is giving. He's trying to dump old unsold stock onto you at an extortionate price.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Trogdor2010 View Post
It's a tough sell really. The optics are great in the Marantz projectors, but pretty outdated compared to the better value and contrast ratios from projectors by JVC or Sony. I think I might be wrong but that might have a smaller .65" chip set, making it not as sharp as a .90" chip set (found in higher end 11s1 set).
Worth a few $100??? Let me know where I can buy one for a few hundred. I will pick up a few of them at that price. The chip set is 1" not .65".
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post #8 of 41
2/3/11 at 2:09pm
Worth a $1000. Now that's funny. As a current RS40 owner I can tell you the VP-15s1 is better in 2D. They go for around $3500 to $4000 in today's market. These 2-3 year old highend projectors that are not 3D are a great deal on the used market if you have no interest in 3D.
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post #9 of 41
2/3/11 at 2:42pm
Yeah, that's what I was thinking, that's a very nice projector, and went for quite a lot more than that when they were more available. I'd definitely put it up there with the Runco LS5, and that projector is more than $5k, AFAIK it's still one of the better single chip DLPs made.
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post #10 of 41
2/3/11 at 2:45pm
At any rate, its not worth $5k, on that we are agreed.
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post #11 of 41
2/3/11 at 2:47pm
I don't know, $5k doesn't seem bad for something roughly on par (some things better, some things worse) with the LS5 (which would cost you a bit more actually I think).
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post #12 of 41
2/3/11 at 3:18pm
You'll be hard pushed to find many sharper projectors than the 15S1 but remember the bulbs are around $600. If you buy 2 bulbs a year for 3 years, you are in Vango territory. With all the advantages of LED for $10k its certainly worth thinking long and hard about spending $7k on anything else that is of a similar brightness.

$5k is too much for a 15S1 IMO.
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post #13 of 41
2/3/11 at 4:08pm
I sold a Sharp 20k with the same lens as the Marantz 11S2, an ANSI CR of 840:1 and, as far as I know, the best native on/off for a DLP for $1,700 over the summer and it was hard to sell. I would doubt the 15S1 would be worth any more than that given the Sharp outperformed it. Projectors from a few years ago just aren't worth squat. The Samsung 8 & 9's were recently selling for less than that 15S1 and would at least hold value a little better.
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post #14 of 41
2/3/11 at 4:12pm
I would buy a new unit for $4500.

Lamps can be bought for $200 without the cage.
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post #15 of 41
2/4/11 at 3:56am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mtdking View Post

I would buy a new unit for $4500.

Lamps can be bought for $200 without the cage.

That's correct. The OP'er should use his own eyes to judge. The Marantz through a very nice image. The Marantz is a lot heavier built than the Sharp 20K and that is why it weighs 8 pounds more. Somebody got a pretty good deal at $1,700 for a 20K. Last summer was a bad time to try and sell a projector.
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post #16 of 41
2/4/11 at 5:16am
I think the best advice would be to view the projectors that you are considering. The Marantz throws a great image, as well as the any of the JVC units. I think a lot comes down to personal preference.
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post #17 of 41
2/4/11 at 6:50am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mrlittlejeans View Post

I sold a Sharp 20k with the same lens as the Marantz 11S2, an ANSI CR of 840:1 and, as far as I know, the best native on/off for a DLP for $1,700 over the summer and it was hard to sell. I would doubt the 15S1 would be worth any more than that given the Sharp outperformed it. Projectors from a few years ago just aren't worth squat. The Samsung 8 & 9's were recently selling for less than that 15S1 and would at least hold value a little better.

You can sell used projectors occasionally for a good dollar, but it is usually involves a somewhat unethical seller to an unsuspecting ignorant buyer. I've been around this forum for close to 12 years (another incarnation) and I've sold used projectors and taken some beatings! When a game changing projector is released the dynamics of the used market change at the same time - ie. Sony Ruby. Is the RS-40 a game changer? The above post basically sums up the reality of the used market and if you pay $5,000 for this projector then you've paid way too much in my opinion. Instead of buying this new non-current one for $5,000, why not buy a used one for considerably less - or at least check out the cost of a used one so you've got an idea what you're getting for your money. Caveat emptor applies here big time. Then of course you know this, and that's why you're here asking the question.
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post #18 of 41
2/4/11 at 7:40am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Deja Vu View Post

You can sell used projectors occasionally for a good dollar, but it is usually involves a somewhat unethical seller to an unsuspecting ignorant buyer. I've been around this forum for close to 12 years (another incarnation) and I've sold used projectors and taken some beatings! When a game changing projector is released the dynamics of the used market change at the same time - ie. Sony Ruby. Is the RS-40 a game changer? The above post basically sums up the reality of the used market and if you pay $5,000 for this projector then you've paid way too much in my opinion. Instead of buying this new non-current one for $5,000, why not buy a used one for considerably less - or at least check out the cost of a used one so you've got an idea what you're getting for your money. Caveat emptor applies here big time. Then of course you know this, and that's why you're here asking the question.

So I talked to the dealer and he said he would charge $3500? Is this a good deal or you think I should invest in a RS-50?

I know that mtdking said the RS-40 does not compare as far as picture quality but does the RS-50 compare? 2d image quality is important to me right now.

-RG
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post #19 of 41
2/4/11 at 7:51am
I'd find a good deal on a RS35 if 2D is your priority. I've seen a few for around $5K and it will probably be your best bet for overall 2D performance. There are a few on videogon right now around this price point. I would take it over anything mentioned in this thread for 2d playback. But the new JVCs, especially the 40, are an amazing value considering the performance and 3D to boot.
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post #20 of 41
2/4/11 at 8:23am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kris Deering View Post

I'd find a good deal on a RS35 if 2D is your priority. I've seen a few for around $5K and it will probably be your best bet for overall 2D performance. There are a few on videogon right now around this price point. I would take it over anything mentioned in this thread for 2d playback. But the new JVCs, especially the 40, are an amazing value considering the performance and 3D to boot.

O.K. There's your answer! You're not going to get better advice than that. Go for an RS35 or the RS40.

Here's a question. Will 3D change the game in the used market. Will the used 2D projectors now take a beating because consumers want 2D and 3D thrown in, just in case?
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post #21 of 41
2/4/11 at 2:58pm
That will be dictated by the consumer really. If people don't think they are getting a good value unless 3D is included, the 2D market will take a beating. Honestly, if 3D isn't important, what is the point in paying for it? It will be awhile before we have a large market of 3D titles to purchase so if it isn't a big draw for you now, I'm sure there will be A LOT more options when it comes time for your next upgrade down the road. But I don't think 2D projectors that offer outstanding performance should suffer simply because they don't support the rather tiny 3D market that exists at the moment.
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post #22 of 41
2/4/11 at 3:06pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by rgoolio32 View Post
So I talked to the dealer and he said he would charge $3500? Is this a good deal or you think I should invest in a RS-50?

I know that mtdking said the RS-40 does not compare as far as picture quality but does the RS-50 compare? 2d image quality is important to me right now.

-RG
I would say that if you can swing a deal in that $3500 range out the door, it's a pretty good deal .. if you can twist them into installation and calibration, it gets even better .. they are obviously needing to move the unit .. don't forget, make sure the full Marantz warrantee is on it as well ..
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post #23 of 41
2/4/11 at 6:09pm
While I may not pay $5k for this pj, I could see someone paying $3k for it. There are some that like DLP over LCOS. There wasn't anything really new at Cedia last year, so there isn't a bunch of new pjs making this model obsolete. If there is one available for around $1k, then please PM as I will buy it ASAP.
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post #24 of 41
2/4/11 at 7:12pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by rgoolio32 View Post

Hey I am building a HT and our dealer has a new VP-15s1 left on shelf and said he would give us a good deal on it. I am aware that Marantz vp15s1 was the top of the line projector about two years ago and has very good reviews. But is it outdated? And are there better projectors out there in the same price range? (JVC, Sony)?

Make sure the Marantz would work well in your theater room. DLP projectors do not have generous zoom ranges like the JVCs do. Many have a limited ability to shift the lens horizontally or vertically, and some have no ability at all. If this is your first projector, you could easily find something as basic as a desire to go to a larger image thwarted by a combination of room size and DLP optics.
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post #25 of 41
2/4/11 at 8:21pm
If you don't buy it for $3500 I will....
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post #26 of 41
2/4/11 at 10:05pm
I just picked up a 15s1 projector to replace my epson 8500 ub. That replaced my 12s3 pj I had that for close to 5yrs with almost 5ooo thousand hours on it. marantz built like a tank. I will give Epson the edge in blacks for sure. The overall picture just seems smother on the Marantz. Can't wait to see the big game on it.
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post #27 of 41
2/5/11 at 5:35am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ericglo View Post

While I may not pay $5k for this pj, I could see someone paying $3k for it. There are some that like DLP over LCOS. There wasn't anything really new at Cedia last year, so there isn't a bunch of new pjs making this model obsolete. If there is one available for around $1k, then please PM as I will buy it ASAP.

Hey, I called first dibs in an earlier post. A few years ago I picked up a new Marantz VP12S4 for not much more than that. For the money, it is still one of my best AV purchases. Still using it in one room.
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post #28 of 41
2/5/11 at 5:45am
Quote:
Originally Posted by hrd View Post

Make sure the Marantz would work well in your theater room. DLP projectors do not have generous zoom ranges like the JVCs do. Many have a limited ability to shift the lens horizontally or vertically, and some have no ability at all. If this is your first projector, you could easily find something as basic as a desire to go to a larger image thwarted by a combination of room size and DLP optics.

I have not looked up the 15S1, but I suspect that it is like my 12S4 which has 2.6 image heights of vertical lens shift. In other words can be mounted 80% of the image height above or below the screen. Vertical lens shift would not be a problem with this projector. The zoom lens is 1.45 so it has a fair amount of zoom also. Not as much as the JVC's but plenty to make it work in most rooms.
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post #29 of 41
2/5/11 at 6:16pm
I have had the VP-15S1 almost 3 years now and it is a wonferful projector. You would be hard pressed to find a sharper image anywhere. The picture is stellar on this. The JVC`R are very nice and have more contrast but on most movies and sports the Marantz doesn`t give up much. In fact on sports I think the VP-15s1 is superior. I haven`t had to change the bulb yet as I have only 1300 hours on it but it still throws out a bright picture. Maybe I got an exception bulb. If you like a crisp image and great color then this would be a good deal at $3500 in my opinion.
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post #30 of 41
2/7/11 at 10:15am
Thread Starter 
Since we are already talking about Marantz projectors I thought I would pose another question. I found a vp11-s2 (Brand new) from a dealer whose willing to part with around the 5,000 - 6,000 range, any opnions? Good Value, Bad Value? worth the upgrade from a Vp15-s1.
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