VPL-VW295ES

I would consider going the used route on a projector to get the very best picture possible. Or look for close out on brands like Sony,JVC or Epson. I have read a lot of good things about Epson. Keep throw distance in mind when buying. I use a Sony 285ES and a 7.2 system Marantz 8015 receiver. In a mixed use room. That is a great room so I would go out of my way to get the best that I can afford even if used. The rabbit whole does run deep so that is why used equipment is a good way to go sometimes.

I went the open box route, got a 4K Sony and never looked back. Sony optics and picture processing are the best available and their projectors are true 3-chip systems and native 4k.

A used Sony 295 or similar will run around $1K and will get you 4K, HDR, motorized lenses and a similar amount of brightness. My first 4k was a 295.

Open box JVC or Sony will be your best option at that price. They are both true native 4K with 3-chip light engines - so no rainbow effect or pixel shifting. Personally I prefer Sony for their optics and image processing. I actually kept my first Sony 4K in storage after upgrading. It was a demo unit which I got for under $3K.

while im not contributing meaningfully to your question, sorry - i'd love to know, too. we have a LG C6 my uncle adores and a sony 4K 3D projector from 2020 that's quite frankly underwhleming compared to the LG C6. if there's any better while offering 4K/HDR, i'd LOVE to know to recommend to him