I'm now on my 7th projector since getting into home theater in the early 90's. In the mid-90's, I was feeling flush from an investment that paid off and bought a Vidikron Vision One and Snell&Wilcox video processor - total investment about $100K, plus the cost of a fancy screen. At the time, this was the best of the best. (Fortunately, I was able to see the system at a reasonable price to the person that bought that house from me a few years later).
The Epson 5050UB projector I bought recently for under $3K delivers significantly better performance - MUCH brighter, better resolution, better shadow detail, no convergence problems, lower audible noise, much better uniformity across the screen.
Projector technology is changing as fast as flat screen TV technology. If I was you, I'd invest in a really good screen, since this will last you over multiple generations of projectors. A quality fixed-frame screen will run you between $1500 and $3000. If you want retractable or electric masking, the cost will go up a fair amount. Don't skimp on the quality of the screen.
I'd recommend against getting a used projector. Not only is the technology changing fast, but you have to worry about compatibility with new content and equipment, and they don't last forever. You'll almost certainly need to replace the bulb in order to get full performance, and will probably have to have it thoroughly cleaned to eliminate the dust that accumulates inside. And you probably won't have any warranty. Given the projector quality you can get for the money these days, it just doesn't seem worth it. For under $3K, you can get a stunningly good projector.
The Epson 5050UB projector I bought recently for under $3K delivers significantly better performance - MUCH brighter, better resolution, better shadow detail, no convergence problems, lower audible noise, much better uniformity across the screen.
Projector technology is changing as fast as flat screen TV technology. If I was you, I'd invest in a really good screen, since this will last you over multiple generations of projectors. A quality fixed-frame screen will run you between $1500 and $3000. If you want retractable or electric masking, the cost will go up a fair amount. Don't skimp on the quality of the screen.
I'd recommend against getting a used projector. Not only is the technology changing fast, but you have to worry about compatibility with new content and equipment, and they don't last forever. You'll almost certainly need to replace the bulb in order to get full performance, and will probably have to have it thoroughly cleaned to eliminate the dust that accumulates inside. And you probably won't have any warranty. Given the projector quality you can get for the money these days, it just doesn't seem worth it. For under $3K, you can get a stunningly good projector.