Sony - VPL-VW715ES

I tested the JVC NP5 against a few different Sony projectors and found the Sony's to have sharper optics and better image processing. Black levels were not quite as good, but very close. If 3D is a factor - as it is for me - you can find a used XW6000 which supports 3d in a similar $5K price range though it will require an external 3d emitter, or you can get a VW715, which is 1800 lumens, lamp-based and has an onboard 3D emitter.

I have a Sony 715 and highly recommend it. The projector is quite large but it’s more serviceable as a result. The optics are best-in-class and it’s a true 3 chip system, so it doesn’t have rainbow artifacts.

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.

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.