URGENT! I'm deciding between a KRP-600M or a PRO-141FD

[toddles]

Hi all

This is my first post so I hope that I can get some good info here! I've done a lot of research on the internet and on this site relating to my predicament.

I've read that the major differences between the 2 panels is the M-series are:

1) 2 less HDMI ports (2 vs 4)
2) No ISFccc calibration controls (but that is can be installed via a patch)
3) Same components/ parts but Elite's have been "tested"
4) A 1-year vs 2-year warranty

Apart from the above, I've read that they are essentially the same panels... is this correct? Both panels are selling out, as you are all aware, and I can get either at present. Is the Elite worth spending in excess of $1000?

I'd appreciate any feedback but I'd more appreciate :) some expert advise.

Cheers
T

[Turbe]

At this point, get what you. If I was buying one now (I have a PRO-141FD and KRP-500M) and the price difference is $1000 or more, I'd go with the KRP-M's, get the Patch and have it Professional Calibrated and pocket the savings or put it into your Home Theater (Audio upgrade, other components). Some also purchase an extended warranty for their KRP-M (and Elites).

[toddles]

At this point, get what you. If I was buying one now (I have a PRO-141FD and KRP-500M) and the price difference is $1000 or more, I'd go with the KRP-M's, get the Patch and have it Professional Calibrated and pocket the savings or put it into your Home Theater (Audio upgrade, other components). Some also purchase an extended warranty for their KRP-M (and Elites).

Thanks Turbe. I spoke with a professional calibrator today and he told me there are no real differences between the 2 apart from what I mentioned. Unless the 2 panels were viewed side-by-side he said one wouldn't notice a diff between the glass and prob still wouldn't if they had the 2 together. You may know the answer to that seeing as you own both.

He did, however, mention to me the risk of turning the panel into a brick in a worst-case scenario after installing the patch... a risk anytime upgrading firmwares. Anyone ever hear of this actually happening? Should I be worried about it? Is the added convenience of the ISFccc actually worth the risk, considering the panel could still be calibrated? From what he explained it sounds like just additional memory savings for settings.

[Turbe]

All of the upgrades have been done without Issue.

There is a lot more to Pioneer's 9G ISFccc Interface than just added memories.. if you Calibrator doesn't agree then they simply do not understand it (they can contact me and I can go over the benefits). Many of the Top and most experienced Calibrators do, I can give you their names and you can ask them yourself. :thumbup:

Also See (for comments from many others):
Understanding the Pioneer 9G ISFccc Interface: http://www.controlcal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=109
Pioneer Owner's Calibration Reports: http://www.controlcal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=92
PRO-111FD Review by Chris Eberle - using ControlCAL and the ISFccc Interface: http://www.controlcal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=272
ISFccc vs. Pure Mode on Pioneer 9G plasma panels: http://avical.com/articles/isfccc-vs.-pure-mode-on-pioneer-9g-plasma-panels.html
ControlCAL Reviews & Testimonials: http://www.controlcal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=97
Recent Patch and Pro Calibration post by an KRP-500M Owner: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=17552859&postcount=1

:thumbsup:

A Patched KRP-M should have similar performance to a Signature Elite Monitor of the same size for all AV Selections and the ISFccc Interface.

BTW, for a list of the only Professionals that are Licensed to calibrate the Patched KRP-M's, see this LIST (http://www.controlcal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=486). If your Calibrator is not Licensed currently, they can contact me.. :D

[toddles]

He's one of the Calibrators listed on this site so I'm assuming that he's good and know his stuff. I'm no real techie with this so no doubt I have misunderstood or just can't explain myself properly... or both!

I would, however, appreciate any info or contacts that you can pass to me... I'm trying to learn as much as possible so that I can make the right informed decision. I've already decided to pay $5600 for a new audio system and I still have to get the plasma and receiver so I'm still looking at close to the same amount again.

Btw, I clicked on the KRP deals link on this site and it looks like those are just offered to Americans in the US... correct? What a shame... so many great deals in the US we just can't get here in Canada!

Thanks again for your time.

[Turbe]

From my understanding, Pioneer Canada offered some agressive pricing on the PRO-101FD in Canada since the KRP-500M wasn't available from Pioneer Canada.

In regards to the Calibrators that cover Canada for the Patched KRP-M's (if you can find KRP-M's in Canada), Michael Chen and Gregg Loewen cover Canada. I know of one of Calibrator (currently Licensed for the other Pioneer Models that is interested if he gets someone who is interested in his calibration service for their KRP-M. :thumbsup:

[toddles]

From my understanding, Pioneer Canada offered some agressive pricing on the PRO-101FD in Canada since the KRP-500M wasn't available from Pioneer Canada.

Do you know what this aggressive pricing was? The best "retail" price I got on that Elite panel was CAN$5600 and I got them down a few hundred more. I can still get the 600M for approx CAN$4,000 so that's still a pretty big savings that I can, as you put it, apply to other needed purchases! If the panels are near identical then it's a no-brainer!

[Turbe]

It was only for the PRO-101FD (50") as the KRP-500M wasn't officially available in Canada (as I understood it).

I also had posted some additional info in my Post above :D

[toddles]

Ah yes, I did miss that additional info! Thanks for your help Turbe!