[jdlynch]

KX250F has his Marantz VP15S1 for sale in the classifieds. I don't know him personally, nor do I have anything to gain from him selling it, but I just wanted to comment:


This is a great deal! I have owned this same projector for over a year now and my jaw still drops whenever I see its image; Especially in HD or blue-ray. I paid much more than his asking price for mine. I highly recommend this projector.


Just a side-note to help anyone out who might be considering purchasing a used projector.

 

[Jason Turk]

The VP15S1 is indeed a great projector. For the right price it can be a great value.

 

[funlvr1965]

I can tell you personally that this is a great deal, I have the long throw version and the lens alone is worth more than this, they dont build them like this anymore for this price. Still puts out a hell of sharp and natural image for the price. Anyone looking for a Marantz 15s1 wont find one at a lower price than this in this condition. I too have nothing to gain from my endorsement...I already have my marantz

 

[jdlynch]

Wish I could've bought mine at this price. I paid $5500 for mine used and felt it was a good deal. I cannot see myself ever wanting to change unless my projector breaks beyond repair. That's how good the image is that this projector throws. It is like watching a giant plasma with my Carada BW screen. My wife loves it and she watches it more than I do...she said she would probably never watch it (that was before I went front projection).


I bought mine from Catdaddy....Has anyone heard from Mike lately? It's been a while since I've seen any posts from him.

 

[Spizz]

Have to add my sentiments as well. Love my 15S1 and I don't see myself parting with it for a long while. Still smile when I turn it on and it throws a great image

Wish Marantz didn't close their Video department back in April

 

[funlvr1965]

I got a screamin deal on the long throw lens version from an authorized dealer in hawaii, 160 hours on the projector for $4200.00 shipped, the long throw version is $12,000.00

 

[TomHuffman]

The problem with this PJ is the $700-800 lamp replacement cost. Absurd amount for bulb and mount. Otherwise, very good deal.

 

[Spizz]

I am going to have to replace my lamp soonish (a few months time). If anyone has a cheap source for the replacement lamps, please let me know.

 

[mrlittlejeans]

I recently picked up a Sharp 20k for around $2k. As far as I know, the 20k uses the same lens as the Marantz 11S series (the 15's bigger brother), has a higher ANSI CR than the 15S1 and a similar, if not better, on/off CR. Plus it has a full CMS that the Marantz lacks. I also think AVS was recently selling 15S1's for a little over $4k.


Question 1: What makes this a good value given the above and the ability to buy a new Planar 8150/Runco for not much more that has much better on/off CR?


Question 2: What would make a new 15S1 better than a new Sharp 20k? Assuming both weren't discontinued models...

 

[TomHuffman]



Quote:
Originally Posted by mrlittlejeans /forum/post/18106854


Question 2: What would make a new 15S1 better than a new Sharp 20k? Assuming both weren't discontinued models...

Fewer color separation artifacts is the only thing I can think of. The Sharp's lamp replacement is 1/2 the cost of the Marantz.

 

[scrubsr1]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the marantz significantly brighter in it's best mode when compared to the sharp? Not to say that attribute alone justifies the much higher price of the marantz.

 

[mrlittlejeans]

From Greg Roger's review in Widescreen Reviews, the maximum calibrated light output at short throw was 673 lumens, which is less than the Sharp 20k's 939 lumens from Greg's Sharp review.


Edit: Sharp 20k full on/off of 7300:1 with 402 lumens vs Marantz 3700:1 with 273 lumens in highest contrast modes. ANSI CR of Sharp 845:1 vs Marantz 640:1.

 

[jdlynch]

Mr Little Jeans:


Was $2K for your Sharp 20K a used price?

 

[mrlittlejeans]

Yes, with 700 hours. I believe it originally retailed for around $12k. These things lose their value drastically. $3,800 for a used 15S1 seems very high.

 

[scrubsr1]

Thanks for the correction. I knew the sharp was capable of a bright image with the iris open, but had no idea it was close to 400 lumens in best mode mode. I agree, why go with the marantz if you can pick up the sharp for so much cheaper.


Btw, are you seeing the benefits of the higher ansi cr of the sharp over your 990?

 

[Deja Vu]



Quote:
Originally Posted by mrlittlejeans /forum/post/18108428


Yes, with 700 hours. I believe it originally retailed for around $12k. These things lose their value drastically. $3,800 for a used 15S1 seems very high.

The real inconvenient truth is that 1/5 the original price (if you're lucky) is what you're likely to get for higher end equipment that's three or so years old while the cheaper stuff doesn't take nearly the same hit from what I've seen. How do you sell the used high end stuff when projectors like the $2,000 AE4000 and $2,300 (after rebate) Epson 8500UB get rave reviews and really are tremendous products. When 5 year old top of the line projectors are selling for 1/8 or less of their original retail price (Sony Qualia) then you realize why sticking with the best of the $2000 to $2,500 projectors makes sense, unless you intend to actually keep an expensive projector for 10 years or so and then give it away. Want a Sony Qualia 004 which listed for over $30,000? Google the name and you'll find a brand new one for $669.00!!! How's that for depreciation? Brutal!

 

[mrlittlejeans]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Deja Vu /forum/post/18109307


The real inconvenient truth is that 1/5 the original price (if you're lucky) is what you're likely to get for higher end equipment that's three or so years old while the cheaper stuff doesn't take nearly the same hit from what I've seen. How do you sell the used high end stuff when projectors like the $2,000 AE4000 and $2,300 (after rebate) Epson 8500UB get rave reviews and really are tremendous products. When 5 year old top of the line projectors are selling for 1/8 or less of their original retail price (Sony Qualia) then you realize why sticking with the best of the $2000 to $2,500 projectors makes sense, unless you intend to actually keep an expensive projector for 10 years or so and then give it away.

This has been debated ad nauseum but it only makes sense if you are more concerned with your budget than picture quality.

 

[mrlittlejeans]



Quote:
Originally Posted by scrubsr1 /forum/post/18109012


Btw, are you seeing the benefits of the higher ansi cr of the sharp over your 990?

Not really. My room is completely covered in black velvet though so the ANSI CR of the RS35 probably doesn't deteriorate like in a non ideal room. Plus, the difference in on/off between the two is so vast that I get way more depth from the RS35 in almost every scene. Right now, the primary purpose of the Sharp is going to be as a videogame or sports viewing projector while the RS35 will pick up movie duties.

 

[jdlynch]

Based on the credible comments in response to my original post; I stand corrected that the deal on the used VP15S1 might not be as attractive as I had stated. I've been out of the market for a while now as I've been too busy enjoying my Marantz

 

[Deja Vu]



Quote:
Originally Posted by mrlittlejeans /forum/post/18109418


This has been debated ad nauseum but it only makes sense if you are more concerned with your budget than picture quality.

Not my experience at all. I purchased one projector for $13,000 and another for $15,000 and an Epson 9500 (which I also own) and paid $2,800 for is much better than the one I paid $13,000 for (no comparison whatsoever) and very competitive with the $15,000 one. Being able to compare these products side by side is a real eye opener. If you think you get what you pay for these days (image quality) then think again!