Sony KDS-60A2000 or Sony KDS-R60XBR1??

[hulkster081]

XBR1 http://reviews.cnet.com/Sony_KDS_R60XBR1/4505-6484_7-31481141.html?tag=cnetfd.mw

60A2000 http://reviews.cnet.com/Sony_KDS_60A2000/4505-6484_7-31901232.html?tag=cnetfd.mw

im kinda confused as to which tv to buy. ive heard a lot of good things about the a2000 line, but the xbr1 line has gotten good reviews as well! the 60a2000 just came out, but the reviews werent as good. which one is better?

this will be for movies and general tv watching, but primarily will be a gaming tv. help!

[theZman350]

Well I just got my KDS60A2000 yesterday and I was in the same boat as you my friend but I’ll give you a couple of good reasons to go for the a2000. I think part of the reason the A2000 got a lower score on Cnet was because compared to the XBR1 it has a smaller feature set but the picture is almost identical.

The A2000 line has twice the contrast ratio, which is 10000:1 vs. 5000:1, being that I’ve personally seen the two sets next to each other in a dark room and the A2000 was better for sure.

And the XBR1 has DRC version 2.0 which is where I believe some of the Green blob issues have come from on the XBR1 models, that’s way in the A2000 line they used the DRC version 1.0 instead because it didn’t have those problems of green blobbing. But the XBR2 uses version 2.5 so…

And if its mostly games I don’t think there will be much difference between the two.

The XBR1 does have some extra features like picture in picture and the memory stick slot a few better adjustable picture setting in the menu all and a slot for cable card, so if you want any of those then maybe you should go for the XBR1 or I would really wait if I where you for the XBR2 if you are that undecided about it.

Hope this helps and doesn’t just bring more confusion.

Cheers

[hulkster081]

wow, thanks for the great advice! you really helped. i looked at the a2000...the 60" that is, and it looked awesome, and i just couldnt imagine how the xbr1 could be any better.

one question, how much did you get the 60a2000 for?

[max]

Actually the CR specs on both TV's are 5000:1 static and 10000:1 Dynamic{All depends which spec sheet you read}. The XBR1 was measured to 13300:1 last year by HTmag. Also the processing in the XBR1 is superior from what my dealer told me, it's the same processing as the XBR2. and DRC version 2 would not be the cause of the green blob or else some of there RPLCD sets would have it aswell. I was told it was a problem in some of the optical engines.

Based on early reviews the XBR1 has the superior PQ but I cannot say for sure because they both look great and I have not seen 2 ISF calibrated sets side by side. Either way both are amazing TV's but if it was me I would wait for the XBR2 series to come out if I were in the market again. Just my opinion though.

MAX,

[JU1CYFRU1T]

one question, how much did you get the 60a2000 for?

I'm a big fan of TapeWorks Texas. I have been chatting with Brian (from TapeWorks) for almost 8 months and from everything I've heard from others, he is the real deal. (I haven't purchased from him because I'm waiting for the XBR2) They are a lisenced Sony dealer, and they have VERY competitive prices. His email address is tapeworksbrian@sbcglobal.net and this is a link to TapeWorks Texas (http://tapeworkstexas.com/sony_kds60a2000.html). If you email Brian, ask him about any special pricing (he MIGHT be able to knock off another $100).

JU1CYFRU1T

[gparris]

Having the SXRD XBR1 60" set for some time I thought the Hawaii HD DVR loop Sony has in the CC store I go to vs. the A2000 in its place now - both sets look great.
As for spousal acceptance, I got a stare when I said I thought the lack of side speakers were just great.
I was "told" that the speaker sides "gave it character and better form factor".
As I thought about it and looked at the remaining XBR1 60" sitting some distance from the 60A2000, I finally agreed.
The XBR model speaker sides sort of "grow" on you after awhile and IF and only IF, you can find a spot for the set with these side speakers, don't let it stop you from getting the XBR1 or XBR2 (60", when it comes out soon).
It is great that Sony has offered more affordable SXRDs in three size ranges rather than two and will soon offer the 60" with or without "wings", "ears" or whatever you want to call them.
FYI, I am looking to replace my Hitachi with the XBR2 70" with matching stand once the price goes down next year (and the Hitachi extended warranty ends).

[hulkster081]

thanks for the tips guys. the general consensus im getting here is that both are great tv's.

juicyfruit - i know all about the tapeworks texas thing because you are the one that mentioned to me the first time in another post! it is in my bookmarks :cheers: so if for some reason i dont buy from them, ill definitely be taking in that price quote to hhgregg or electronics express to see if they will come down.

as for the xbr2....price range is a big one for me. im looking at spending around $2000 and not much more than that. i might be able to swing $2100 but that will be pushing it. im not sure how much the xbr2's will be when they come out, but i plan on getting my tv (right now im leaning towards the 60a2000 or the 50a2000 really for price concerns). im guessing the xbr2's will be more pricey than the ones i just mentioned?

[JU1CYFRU1T]

I'm guessing that the 60XBR2 is going to be somewhere close to the $4000 range(pricing should be out any day now). It might be a little less that this, but I wouldn't count on it being less than $3500 by the end of the year. I say this because the 60A2000 is currently $3200, and the 60XBR2 is 'a better TV'. If you're looking at spending no more than $2100, the 50A2000 is probably going to be your best bet.

I don't know if you care about the features this set is missing (PIP, memory card slot, etc.), but if you do care... I'd wait and save some more money. If you are going to drop multi-thousands of dollars on a TV, you may as well get the one you want.

[gparris]

Great analysis, JU1CYFRU1T, the discount on HDTVs is rampant after a time.
My 70" Hitachi started at $7199 MSRP, went right to a list price of $6999, then CC started its discount routine to $6499 "on sale".
A few months later, the set sold for $5999 with sale prices of $5499 and with a 10% "coupon" (on line or for the asking as a preferred customer), $4999.
That is when I decided enough was enough and got it, complete with matching stand-also on sale.
The 60" XBR2's will be MSRP for $4499.95, on sale for the first time $3999 and then go to what the current A2000 list is now or less with "special discounts" at CC.
The 70" XBR2 will follow the same path as my Hitachi did, I am certain...then I will buy one or, if the spouse complains too much, extend the then-expiring extended warranty one more time.

[hulkster081]

I'm guessing that the 60XBR2 is going to be somewhere close to the $4000 range(pricing should be out any day now). It might be a little less that this, but I wouldn't count on it being less than $3500 by the end of the year. I say this because the 60A2000 is currently $3200, and the 60XBR2 is 'a better TV'. If you're looking at spending no more than $2100, the 50A2000 is probably going to be your best bet.

I don't know if you care about the features this set is missing (PIP, memory card slot, etc.), but if you do care... I'd wait and save some more money. If you are going to drop multi-thousands of dollars on a TV, you may as well get the one you want.

no i really dont care about the PIP or memory card slot. i just saw the tapeworks texas site again and the price has dropped on the 50a2000 to $2400! wow. by the time i have enough money, i might able to get a really good deal.

[JU1CYFRU1T]

The 60" XBR2's will be MSRP for $4499.95, on sale for the first time $3999 and then go to what the current A2000 list is now or less with "special discounts" at CC.

Are these figures something that you received from Sony? As far as I know, pricing still hasn't 'officially' been released. I'm not doubting your data, I'm just wondering where you got the hard numbers?


hulkster,
Make sure you email Brian when you are ready to buy (and not simply purchase from the web site). If you email him he should be able to 'hook you up'.

JU1CYFRU1T

[gparris]

I can pre-order a 60" XBR for $4499 and the 70" XBR for $6999 from abtelectronics right now...a little far from San Diego, but close enough for others.
See: http://www.abtelectronics.com/scripts/site/site_product.php3?id=25023
or http://www.abtelectronics.com/scripts/site/site_product.php3?id=25030
Happy shopping, everybody!

[JU1CYFRU1T]

Thanks gparris, this is the first site that I have seen with an actual price listed. I sent an email to TapeWorks, so I'll let everyone know what I hear from them (as far as price).

JU1CYFRU1T

[gparris]

Sonystyle had their sets listed with price and offer pre orders yesterday.
Look up New Bravia and SXRD and you will get right to these, or sets by size.
Happy shopping!

[JU1CYFRU1T]

Yeah, this is what Brian said also. The reason I haven't heard from him is because he is waiting to get 'dealer pricing' so that he can give an accurate discounted price. I'll post here again as soon as I hear TapeWorks 'real' price.

JU1CYFRU1T

[gparris]

There is so much markup on HDTV sets that the pricing is all over the map.
Other forums do not even allow anything about pricing other than MSRP, with reason.
The best way to get the best price is wait until the product is out awhile, barring the need for immediately delivery, then negotiate your best pricing with the Brick and Mortar stores until one caves in.
My example about the 70" set was a classic example as to what can occur.
Get the A2000 if you need one now and do not need the features of the XBRs.

[hulkster081]

well as of right now i have $500 towards my tv. so im about 1/4 of the way there. by the time i have enough money (bout 2k) then the price on the a2000 will hopefully have gone down to around $2300 or so. tapeworks texas has it for $2400 right now...so who knows.

[gparris]

Good luck on your saving up - I think the 50A2000 set will replace my Gym/Rec room due to the seating distance and I have a potential buyer for the '04 set with stand.
Just remember to get an extended warranty of some kind outside of standard one the manufacturer has if you can delay it.
I know that when I buy my sets or do setups with CC, I have to get their extended warranty right away or forgo theirs.
Sony usually gives you time, at least to my knowledge.
Think about a stand for it unless you have the dimensions and placement already in place....happy saving.

[hulkster081]

thanks for the tips. i'll definitely be getting a warrarnty.

as for the stand...there is no way my wife would let me get a tv and not put it something "nice". and no i cant get one of those metal/glass cool futuristic nerdy looking stands you buy at CC. i have to get something wooden like at a furniture store.

but ive reasoned with her and told her that Target and Walmart has nice stuff (sorta). the problem is, i have several boxes to put in the tv stand.....tivo, receiver, dvd player, digital cable box. and then i have my ps2, and the upcoming nintendo wii to display, so it has to be kinda roomy. i dont want to spend over $500 though on a tv stand. any suggestions?

[gparris]

Look at Best Buy also for a credenza type HT centre as these have nice wood cabinetry without the metal-and-glass framework many wives hate.
These usually consist of a flat top deep enough to handle most HDTVs - measure to make sure yours fits, then measure your center channel speaker so it fits in the top middle shelf area along with your other HT components.
Additionally, measure your HT components for airspace if venilation holes are on the top for placement, as 2-4 inches for circulation is best.
As for the back of this furniture piece, leave it open as much as possible to faciliate connections and then use a black fabric (use velcro for attachement on top) to hide the connections/wall behind it - do this for asthetics unless your back wall is dark in colour.
Try to get a furniture piece with wheels, as getting to connections is easier when you need it.
Hope this helps you out.

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