Sony - VPL-XW5000ES

It’s your life and your money. Do whatever you want. But you’re asking the void for free advice. So IMO any TV screen would be a huge downgrade in immersiveness and audio quality in that room. If you want better image quality, get a better projector (and screen, if necessary). You’re apparently in the UK so options and prices may vary. But a JVC DLA-NZ500/ RS1200 is $7k. A Sony VPL-XW5000ES is $6k. I’d choose either one of them over the Epson. A $30 EZCOO SP12H2 HDMI splitter with custom firmware can unlock Dolby Vision capability, and with an AppleTV set to always output Dolby Vision, you would see a big improvement with a lot of streaming content. A custom gamma curve and other calibration tweaks will take it even further. I’m not familiar with BenQ projector and whether you can manually force that projector into an HDR compatible picture mode in BT.2020 color space. But maybe do your research and give it a shot if feasible. That might give you the ROI you’re looking for. https://www.avsforum.com/threads/alternative-devices-for-enabling-lldv-please-read-posts-1-2.3254266/#replies The next step up in price would be an HDFury device that might allow you to add the HDR info frame to automatically switch your BenQ into a HDR compatible picture mode to make the LLDV EDID trick work. https://www.avsforum.com/threads/dolby-vision-including-hdr10-conversion-w-dtm-on-projectors.3097934/#replies If the price of a new decent quality (albeit still entry level) 4K laser long throw projector is giving you heartburn, there’s always the used market. You could score a deal on a used Sony laser or JVC laser or JVC w/ bulb that will serve many people well at relatively low cost. https://www.avforums.com/forums/projector-projection-screen-classifieds.90/ https://www.avforums.com/threads/sony-xw5000es-laser-projector.2541005/ A used Lumagen Radiance Pro 4240 or 4242 could be found for a few grand that will give you excellent picture quality with 4K upscaling capability and DTM for all source devices and all content no matter whether SDR, HDR10, DV or HDR10+. There are still some caveats and limitations. But picture quality is generally not an issue unless you happen to be a 0.001% videophile type person for which only OLED will suffice and you’ll gladly sacrifice audio quality for it. https://www.avsforum.com/threads/new-lumagen-radiance-pro-series.2172017/#replies

Lumens alone don’t tell the whole story. Far from it. Reflected images are primarily dependent on the projector, screen, throw distance, viewing distance and ambient lighting. Other factors include calibration, external anamorphic lens for CinemaScope presentations, etc. All work together in concert to determine the image quality and how your eyes perceive that reflected image. Each person has subjective preferences and sensitivities (e.g. film grain, motion blur, color accuracy, contrast/ black levels, etc.). Ergo, there is no one definitive “best” projector, just differences to consider and tradeoffs to manage. I happily chose a Sony VPL-XW5000ES and a Seymour Screen Excellence Reference Motorized Enlightor Neo screen. My throw distance is about 15ft. My viewing distance is about 9ft. While HDR10 performance could be better, SDR and HDR10 and Dolby Vision are all capable of blinding brightness. And I’m not even using full laser power or using calibration settings that maximize brightness (as that would come at the expense of other picture quality metrics that I care more about). In fact, I purposely watch at maximum luminance of ~330 nits. The image quality and value of my Sony was the best choice for me. I’m very happy with it and have no plans to change it anytime soon. Your mileage may vary. While objective measurements tell much of the story, they don’t tell the whole story. Subjective preference plays a huge role. We don’t yet have the means to measure every performance attribute nor consensus on how to prioritize those attributes to determine an absolute best. All we have groups of people each with their preferences and priorities and biases. An $88.5k Sony VPL-GTZ380 would look amazing in my room mostly because of the lens. While the extra lumens can be put to good effect for HDR content, it’s not going to be $82.5k better to me than my $6k XW5000ES. Same deal with a Barco or Christie. Maybe someday if I ever build a 20 person home theater in a 24,000ft3 room.

People pay professionals good money to help them with answers to your questions. Equipment choice alone is barely half the equation. Good design and good integration are critical to achieving high performance. This isn’t something you should just freestyle, as there are many tradeoffs to manage based on your subjective preferences. Design informs equipment choice. It’s an iterative process as you converge on design and equipment choice simultaneously. Long throw projectors generally offer better image quality than UST at the same price point. UST are nice if you’re worried about people casting shadows or if this is a general entertainment space hosting karaoke night and dance parties. If it’s just for watching motion pictures while seated then get a long throw projector. For $5k I’d try to score a deal on a B-stock Sony VPL-XW5000ES or a lightly used JVC D-ILA projector, preferably with laser light source but if you’d rather spend less then a bulb is fine. You can find some screaming deals if you don’t mind bulbs and fake 4K pixel-shifting. If your viewing distance is >10ft then it shouldn’t matter. https://www.avsforum.com/forums/front-projector.252/ Fixed screens are cheaper than motorized screens. Acoustically transparent screens are nice because you can place the LCR speakers behind the screen, which not only looks better but sounds better. But this is also where you need to be careful as there is interaction between viewing angles/ screen size and speaker positions and seating distance. All have to be in harmony. Woven screens usually look and sound better than perforated screens, but this depends on the exact screen material, budget, viewing distance and preference. Like I said, there’s lots of tradeoffs to manage. I’d recommend minimum 7.1.4 speaker configuration, even if you have to built it in stages as funds allow. My preference in that size room is 9.1.6 but that’s going to break your budget in terms of AV processor capability, speaker count and amplification requirements. You’ll want a minimum of two subwoofers. What exactly do you mean by “sound conditioning is already taken care of?”

You say budget isn’t a concern, but balked at $10k. Which is totally reasonable, but I think it’s important to set expectations. There is a sea of not-particularly-good projectors under $5k. At $5k you have a few decent options where color volume and black levels significantly improve. Above that, things sort of jump to $10k, where black levels and color volume either continue to improve or at least stay flat, but brightness increases. Above $10k, things explode in to the 10s of thousands. Largely for the purpose of going really big (165”+) and of course the Christie Eclipse at $400kish. This also doesn’t factor in the screen, which can cost as little as $300 and as much as $6k or more. Given you aren’t willing to properly light control, but need good brightness, image quality, fan noise, and low input lag, you’re going to have a hard time hitting all of that under $10k. I would have serious reservations about getting excited for HDR. You might find SDR content looks better. A JVC NP5, Sony XW5000ES, or Epson LS12000, and Epson QB1000 should all be on a shortlist. There are plenty of comparisons between them. Pair one of those with a positive gain ALR screen and you should have a good experience *most of the time*. Ultimately though, these still prefer a dark room, and the ALR screen will largely combat light colored ceiling and walls. You could also look at UST projectors. These kick out a shit load of light, though usually at the expense of contrast in a dark room. UST screens tend to offer better ALR effects as well. I like the new Epson QS100, as well as the LS800, but I’ve heard good things about the Hisense. Realistically though, you should strongly consider a 100-115” TV.

Sony VPL-XW5000ES Projector when it’s on sale or an epson LS 12000

300 is WAY TOO BIG!!! The XW5000 is a great projector, but not for this size. You're looking at a GTZ380 to do this justice. The real question is what is your seating distance? For this size screen you will need a minimum seating distance of 19 feet.

JVC wins in black levels and is best with 4K Blu-ray. Sony is a close second but much better with processing, detail, streaming, motion, sports, and gaming. Epson is brighter, but is insanely green. Once you have it accurately calibrated the brightness drops off lower than the Sony or JVC with none of the benefits.

The Sony XW5000ES has better blacks, color, contrast, and motion vs the Epson and can is very good for gaming with some limitations. It has very low input lag at 4K60 and even better... Around 12ms at 2K120. However, it will not ruin at 4K120.

This looks like a great system from Starpower. They are a competitor of mine, but the pricing here is fair and everything is of high quality. If you want to stay closer to $15K drop down to the XW5000, drop the Revel speakers to a more cost effective speaker and maybe drop the universal remote. The extended warranty is expensive, but is not out of line for the price of the system. However, I've seen the XW5100 and the performance jump is HUGE. I would stick with this if possible.

why not Sony xw5000es?

sony is standard throw. for some reason ultra short throw such as Hisense is a hot topic right now. which I understand, its new and more compact, but almost 100% wont work as expected without screen. standard throw are more forgiving, however given sony is not cheap its worth considering screen, too. but anyway, sony should be way way better than hisense. I saw video of that youtube blogger that is referenced all the time here, but HDR works ok on Sony if using external source, it's just internal playback processor sucks, optics are first class

I have a 5000 and like it very much. I found its image to be sharper than a comparable JVC. Color and contrast were pretty close to JVC but the superior optics and image processing have kept me in the Sony camp.

The Sony xw5000es is currently on sale for $5K and is an excellent choice, top tier tone mapping and optics which I find sharper than anything in a similar price range. I just got one, but I'm primarily using it for home cinema purposes. The JVC's mentioned below are a good choice if gaming is a major consideration, I believe they support higher refresh rates.

I have an xw5000es and I'm quite happy with it. I tend to get downvoted when I praise Sony's projectors, but I have found their optics to be sharper and their "Reality Creation" upscaling is unmatched, IMHO. When paired with a Panasonic UHD Player and its HDR processing, Sony's can truly sing. A note about lumens - my first Sony was a vw295es and even though it was only rated at 1500 lumens, more of those lumens were hitting the screen than the 2400 lumen Epson 6020 that it replaced.

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.

I would recommend the Sony xw5000es. I have one that I use on a similar sized screen in a light controlled environment and I love it. Sony's image processing for HDR and upscaling is better than I have seen from JVC/Epson. That combined with their noticeably sharper lens optics make this the best sub-$10K projector out there for cinematic viewing. The only thing I miss is that the lens is not motorized, but if you use a dedicated space, you only need to set it up once. The next step up in the Sony lineup is the Bravia 8 which is $16K for more lumens and motorized lenses.

Thanks. Did that, pulled the trigger on this one: https://a.co/d/i0WxsoV

Im considering a 133 inch screen. Any suggestions on brand and screen type?

Im considering a 133 inch screen. Any suggestions on brand and screen type? (Btw I bought the Sony VPL XW5000ES)

Bro, your setup is insane. Congrats! Now I will take it as inspiration. Disclaimer: I’m a noob in the home theater space. I pulled the trigger on a Sony VPL-XW5000ES 4K HDR. Still need to do some research on what receiver to buy and what sound system (previous owners installed speakers on the ceiling). Btw, where is the receiver in your setup? Another question, what recliners do you recommend? For your questions: - yes, 100% light controlled (can be totally dark) - will consider sound deadening (what do you recommend) - I was thinking that way (or putting a mattress on a platform)

Pulled the trigger on this one: https://a.co/d/i0WxsoV

Thanks for your answer! I bought the Sony VPL XW5000ES. I’m considering a bigger screen (~135 in). Any suggestions on brand and screen type?

Thanks for the recommendation. Doing this, considering a 133 inch screen. Any recommendation of brand and screen type? A company just quoted me this one : DRADF-SL-133-HC Dragonfly, 133 in. High Contrast Film Screen With Black es Center Channel Speakers MKII - 5.25"

JVC DLA-NP5, Epson LS12000, Sony XW5000ES, Hisense PX2-PRO

It looks like you’re buying a bunch of Sony and B&W stuff. If it were me, I’d make the following changes: I’d bet that 133” screen is for a 2.35:1 display. You don’t need this unless you’re a hardened cinephile. Go with a 120” if you think you can live with that. This isn’t the monster expense in your system. That projector is a bit lofty for your budget. You can get some excellent options that are about half of this. The VPL-XW5000es is solid too. Based on the “TC” I see in the quote, I’m sure they pushing you towards a URC. While a good quality of life solution, you’re paying about $1500 for this. Programming can’t be done without a dealer license, so even slight changes will run you about $200 in the future. HDMI control between the projector and receiver will be pretty effective as well, so the standard remote will do much more than you think. Lastly, ditch the warranty. It’s pure margin for the retailer and probably overlaps with the manufacturers warranty anyway.

Order screen samples for your screen. Don’t go off of random advice. There is some subjectivity based off of your room, projector, and viewing distance. At your budget SilverTicket is the best option for screens. They’ll run about $500. You can get a pack of samples shipped for like $10. 133” is a weird choice. Just bump to 135” and you’ll have more screen options as that’s a standard size. 133” is not. At 135” THX recommended viewing angle is at 15.1 feet from the screen. If you’re going to be closer than that I’d play around with a viewing angle calculator and consider a 120”. If your budget is $6k, I’d stretch (or find a sale) for the JVC NZ500 which will outperform the Sony and Epson. If you’re strict at $6k, drop to the Epson only if you game a lot. Otherwise the Sony will be better. I’d also consider a Valerion in that range. The Max will be out soon and there are units available for cheap from Kickstarter backers who will sell for a profit but still less than retail. I’d honestly step up to a refurb x3800 from A4L ($1200). I’d buy 2 x RSL Speedwoofer 12s ($1600). That leaves you $3700 for speakers (and $6500 for pj/screen). I’d recommend Ascend Sierra-2EX V2s as L/R ($1698), 2EX V2 Center ($868) and Sierra-1 V2 as your surrounds ($998). If you save some money somewhere or decide to stretch budget get 4 overhead speakers. RSL CL-34 MKIIs are excellent and $150 each, so another $600 for all 4. You will be able to drive 5.2.4 with the x3800 Even in a pitch black room it’s worth painting the wall the screen is on and the ceiling black. I recommend Sherwin Williams Tricorn black (flat for the ceiling, matte for the wall).

get the sony

I have the Sony but if I were buying right now I would get the JVC. The comparable JVC at the time was still bulb based. I love the Sony so no regrets really…

Depends on usage. If gaming is a factor at all the JVC is an immediate non starter with the huge input lag and non ALLM mode and the Sony at that price point doesn’t support 4k 120. Only the epson does both

Can't comment on this year's models, but I just picked up a Sony VPLXXW5000ES and I absolutely love it. I'm running it at 120" on a decent bit far from the best screen and it's easily the best setup I've ever had

Same here, tried the bulb based JVC NP5 then the Sony and immediately knew I'd be keeping the Sony. I could see the DTM advantages the JVC had but the Sony was just a level up overall (for me). Assuming the JVC made the same leaps with the new light source it would be my choice easily. Like you though, really enjoying the Sony so not getting upgradeitis.

I have the Sony 5000 and it lights up and a 140” screen no problem. You could consider it vs the 5001 and save a lot of money. Do you have to go with in-wall speakers? Depending on room size and how loud you like to listen, three bookshelf speakers across the front will sound great. Or two towers and a beefy center channel.

I think the AVR and Projector screen are a little high depending on what they have picked out. Is it going to be a fixed screen or a drop down? Black ash subwoofer seems like its an SVS, so they are likely matching the in ceilings to match that quality. If you want it done for less, buy your own equipment, and have them install it or find another company that will. Sony makes a great 4k laser for about 5k so that will cut the cost dramatically

God no!! Upgrade to one of the laser based 4k projectors! My fav is the Sony, but there are several to choose from. I think you’d be so disappointed losing that much screen! It’d feel like….. you know, A TV instead of a theater!

Epson will be brightest and average contrast and blacks. Sony will be less bright but better contrast. JVC is lowest brightness but incredible blacks and contrast. Pick what you prefer.