I currently have a Marantz VP12S1 that is getting a bit long in the tooth.

I am in a dilema as to what to get next and whether to go for something like the Ruby now (which we cant really afford) or go for something cheaper now that would still be an improvement on the Maratz (particularly contrast) and would be a stopgap until other 1080 projectors hit the market.

Any advice and particularly recommendations on projectors apprecaited

[sbowler]

I would go for the stop gap otion. Like you say it will be a great improvement over what you have. Contrast ratios now are a lot better typically over the 3000:1 region from the Z4 and panny 900.

[The Fatty]

epson emp tw600 is another