Marantz VP-12S2 Projector - Is it Good? (1 Viewer)

[JerryPowell]

I am building a Home Theater and my dealer is recommending a MARANTZ High Def DLP Projector - the VP 12S2.

Does anyone have any experience or seen reviews on this projector. It sounds good but one thing that concerns me is the 700 ANSI Lumens light output - that doesn't sound like a lot to me.

It does have a Contrast ratio of 2600:1

And advice is appreciated. I will post Pics of the theater when it's done.

Jerry Powell

 

[Neil Joseph]

Don't let the lumen rating fool you. Check this article from projectorcentral here for this HD2 based DLP projector.

 

[Rob Tomlin]

By almost all accounts, it is a very, very good projector.

The only negative aspects are its lack of a decent amount of connections (only one set of Component Inputs for instance). Also, Stereophile Guide To Home Theater indicated in its review that there was a noticeable softening of the High Def image when sent through the component input. This was actually acknowledged by Marantz. Apparently the component input was designed for DVD playback, and it uses the Faroudja chip that makes DVD's look great, but slightly softens HD images.

There are many good DLP pj's out there. I personally would HIGHLY recommend that you take a look at the DWIN TV3. It has more inputs than you could shake a stick at, and has a GREAT two box solution (so you hook all your components to the box in your rack instead of having to string them all up to the ceiling). The DWIN is a bit brighter than the Marantz as well.

 

[pradike]

As a new owner of the VP-12S2, I'd have to tell you that this projector has exceeded my extensive expectations!

The overall image quality, true black to white contrast, and "real" / vivid colors are unsurpassed in any other DLP projector I've seen (including the DWIN).

Having shown the Matrix last night to 7 guests, and hearing their feedback - they were in awe - I think my "real world" survey of this product shows that it is outstanding, and nearly matchs those $50,000 CRTs for 1/5 the price.

Over the past 90 days, this projector has received 4 different awards as a top projector (see the Marantz WEB site for details). If there is a dealer in your area, and you can see it in action for yourself...you'll be sold.

I would highly recommend this unit to anyone for a home theater - its great in mine.

IN RESPONSE TO AN EARLIER E-MAIL regarding their feeling about a lack of inputs....THIS PROJECTOR SUPPORTS DVI (which is currently the BEST input), which I use for HDTV, and use the component for DVD (ideal)...still leaves 2 other inputs...no shortage here, contrary to the earlier suggestion - in fact, this exceeds 90% of all other units on the market, most of which do not yet support DVI.