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Newer or older more expensive?

976 Views 10 Replies 8 Participants Last post by Stephen Hopkins, Jun 5, 2021

ramw5p

Discussion Starter · Jun 4, 2021

Still narrowing it down...put up the old 141X [more then enough lumens] to test system, pretty much ready to buy. Like a lot of us price IS important. So what's the feeling - newer projector like benq 3550 or epson 3800, or older refurb like a epson 6040, all around 1500 ish? Pretty much straight HT/TV viewing - light controlled. My kids may play some games but I dont care if they have a little lag

, HT quality is ore important then lag. I guess there is a second option - wait for pjcentral expo and see if anything better is coming soon, I can wait a month or two. TIA

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naughtyca

· #2 · Jun 4, 2021

3550 seems pretty solid, i did the tk850 for more lumens, i like bright projector

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Daboyle82

· #3 · Jun 4, 2021

New Technology is always nice, but unless you need what the new technology has to offer, you can stretch your dollar further with an older higher end product ( assuming if is high quality and is at least current enough to not be completely outdated ).

a 2 year old Projector, a few years old amp, speaker, or receiver will be just fine - and youll end up getting a better setup than purchasing all new for the same budget.

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Sean Spamilton

· #4 · Jun 4, 2021

ramw5p said:
My kids may play some games but I dont care if they have a little lag

Nice to meet you Satan!

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ramw5p

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jun 4, 2021 (Edited)

Sean Spamilton said:
Nice to meet you Satan!

they dont even have the latest xbox or playstation....and they dont have iPhones...welcome to HELL!!!!

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rekbones

· #6 · Jun 4, 2021

Without knowing all the fine details its impossible to recommend what might work better for you. Room environment/ambient/reflected light control is the most important but also need intended screen size, screen type, seating distance, screen AR, room size, placement restrictions and any other details you can think of.

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ramw5p

Discussion Starter · #7 · Jun 4, 2021

rekbones said:
Without knowing all the fine details its impossible to recommend what might work better for you. Room environment/ambient/reflected light control is the most important but also need intended screen size, screen type, seating distance, screen AR, room size, placement restrictions and any other details you can think of.

Light controlled...can pretty much make it black. Black ceiling, grey walls, 135 screen, Silver Ticket: gray...sitting 14 from screen. Mostly HT/TV. TIA

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DunMunro

· #8 · Jun 4, 2021

A good low cost projector would be the BenQ X1300i:

BENQ X1300i GAMING PROJECTOR REVIEW - Projector Reviews

Read our review of the BenQ X1300 gaming projector with 3,000 ANSI Lumen rating and a ton of features packed into a portable design.

www.projectorreviews.com

Which seems to do all things well but is 1080P.

A bit more upscale is the AU/HU810 which is getting very good reviews (but no 3D):

LG AU810PB CINEBEAM 4K LASER PROJECTOR REVIEW - Projector Reviews

The LG AU810PB is a 4K DLP Laser Smart projector with a suggested retail price of $3999. Find out more here!

www.projectorreviews.com

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PixelPusher15

· #9 · Jun 4, 2021 (Edited)

ramw5p said:
Light controlled...can pretty much make it black. Black ceiling, grey walls, 135 screen, Silver Ticket: gray...sitting 14 from screen. Mostly HT/TV. TIA

135" grey screen would most likely rule out the HT3550 since it isn't that bright to begin with. The 6040 would look stellar but there's some quality issues with the power supply that I personally would avoid even in a refurb. Some are completely fine with the potential risk and the 3 year warranty would probably be enough to make me a bit more comfortable with it. It will for sure throw the best image but its HDR handling is a PIA. Since you have a grey screen I'd for sure look more at the 3800. Matched with that grey screen you will get really good contrast and pretty good black levels (not as good as the 6040 though). The 3800 won't have as great of color as the HT3550, and Epson 40x0/50x0/60x0 but it isn't exactly bad.

The 4010 is an option too since you said gaming isn't a big deal. It can't do 4K HDR at 60hz and that limits it in some ways. I'd get an Apple TV 4K with it since it plays really nice with it by making sure it gets the proper signal all the time. It has about the same contrast as the 3800 but is less bright so it has better native black levels. It's brighter than the HT3550 so it can handle the grey screen though. Bad HDR handling though. It needs a lot of massaging or a good proper calibration. I'm sure @Stephen Hopkins is going to stop by soon and say you should get a refurb Epson 4000 and get it ISF calibrated for cheaper than all of these. I can't disagree other than the power supply issue; same as the 6040.

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rekbones

· #10 · Jun 4, 2021

Save up a little more and get a refurbed Epson 5050ub. Sounds like a nice room and deserves a high contrast projector so JVC LCOS, Sony or Epson UB is where I would be headed if you like to watch in the dark, If not some of the above suggestions are very valid.

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