Best used 2D projectors in the $2.5K and under (preferably $2K and under)

I recently "up-graded" from a Panny PT-AE2000 to an older Yamaha DPX-1200 DLP projector (720p), which I bought off of e-bay for $313 w/shipping. I am now sold on DLP. My only regret is not having dumped the Panny sooner. It had a sharp, bright picture, but the colors were not right. Subsequently, we dumped our Sony SXRD rptv and replaced it with a 73" Mitsu DLP rptv. The Sony had developed a persistent green tint years before. It didn't bother my wife, but it was driving me nuts. The pictures produced by the above two DLP devices are very pleasing and natural looking. However, the Yamaha does not produce inky blacks, but the black level is good enough for my tastes, especially at $300. The Yamaha, with 1800 lamp hours, is bright enough for my 92" DIY screen (gain = 1), but I wouldn't go much larger.

Because I shelf-mount my projectors and have a very short throw distance, there are only a few DLP projectors, all older, high-end, that work for me. If you ceiling mount, there are many more options. I would suggest looking at a Runco LS-3. I saw an ad recently for a decent used one for $2k. I thought the ad was on Videogon, but I can't dind it anymore.

If you're comfortable buying used, I would dump the Panny asap. There are many better projectors out there.

Many people here on AVS discourage others from buying used, but my one buying experience was a phenominal deal, and I sold 2 low hour used Panny's that were, IMO, very good deals for the guys that bought them.

Girardian - You should post your question in the Under $3K projector forum.

"Girardian - You should post your question in the Under $3K projector forum."

Why should he do that? I think the price range he's quoting is what he's willing to pay for a used projector, meaning the original MSRP for the projectors when new could easily exceed $10k. For instance, the original MSRP on the used Yamaha DPX-1200 (that I bought for $313) was around $12.5k. The Panny 8000, which he is interested in, is in the over $3k category also.

Girardian
You can buy now the AE8000 for around $2700 plus several hundred dollars in rebates (Free 3 year Warranty, a $100 Cash Rebate and Two Pairs of 3D Glasses). Not too far from your budget.

I sent a pm earlier but I'm seling a used hw30 for 1600 on ebay plus shipping. I upgraded to a vw95 and don't need it anymore.

It depends on your primary viewing choices (sports, gaming, movies, etc...):

If you are not a big gamer where lag matters, and are mainly focused on movies and contrast / black levels, I would look at purchasing a used or b-stock JVC RS-45 (also known as JVC x30) or RS-46 (also x35)...
You can add a square trade warranty in the after market even for a used projector.

Otherwise, the Sony hw30 above could be a consideration as well. The Panny 7000/8000 will not be as good as the Sony or JVC for 2D movies, same with the Epson. You could also look at some used DLP's, though the selections are more limited so it's hard to say what models since it just depends what you find.

Personally, if it were me I might just contact AVS first (the forum sponsor) and ask them if they are getting any B-STOCK deals in anytime soon, which are refurb projectors from the MFR that have the same or similar warranty as new usually.

I missed the point he was looking for a used projector. In any case he should probably look at both new projectors in the $2.5K range and compare those to used projectors now selling for a similar price. Also talk to the AVS Store to see what they may now have in B Stock projectors, as these will come with the manufacturer's warranty.

I'd call AVS for B stock PJ...a Sony VW95

I previously owned a 3000 and since have owned a w7000 and now an optoma hd8600. I personally prefer dlp, and found the 8600 to be a noticeable step ahead of the 3000 in every regard, including black floor. Its a very nice unit thats within your price range. Check out consignia.ca.

As someone who has gone through 4 pjs in a year,the 8600 was finally the unit that made me stop searching for something better. Ive always been interested in jvc as someone who appreciates great black levels, but the lag times are not condusive to the bit of gaming I do and I am not interested in a 2 pj solution.

Anyway, good luck with the purchase.

AVScience is a great source. Give Mike a call. He posts here everyday, you should be able to find his phone number quite easily by going into any number of threads in this subforum.