Christie LX400 vs Epson PowerLite 1925W

[kabletx]

First, thanks to all the educated posters on here. I've learned quite a bit just by lurking and searching, although I definitely still have a ways to go.

I'm attempting to narrow down my projector selection for my current (personal, no client) project, and at the moment these two live at the top of the list. That said, I'm having a hard time making a decision, and wondered if anyone with experience with these (or similar) beamers might want to jump in.

I'd kill to have the chance to actually test these out, but as far as I can tell there isn't any decent projector shop in my area.

Project:
Front projection for a live band in fairly dark (lighting at the bar proper only) to completely dark environments. Projector will be mapped to consistent staging, with screen material somewhat undecided (painted wood most likely), although stage will include some chameleon scrim.

Requirements:
LCD
Sufficient lumens to fairly light an image that is 11' wide by 8' high.
Somewhat rugged for transportation, and easy portability is a bonus but not absolutely necessary.
Mac compatible (source will be a MPB running VDMX)

My budget, always the most difficult factor, taps out at $2500.

I've been using the Projector Calculator over at projectorcentral.com to narrow down my options, which bumped out a few of the obvious options from Sanyo and left me with the Christie and the Epson.

Any reason I should pick one over the other? ANything else you would recommend?

Thanks for your time!

[many2]

Originally Posted by kabletx

Any reason I should pick one over the other? ANything else you would recommend?

I am not familiar with those exact models but one thing is clear : Epson makes projectors for the corporate environment and home theaters, while Christie cares about live entertainment and AV. In the AV equipment rental world, Christie projectors are among the best there are, with Barco and Digital Projection. I've never rented an Epson, ever.

I think many of the more affordable Christie projectors are still designed by other companies (Sanyo and Projection Design afaik) and they are rebranded as Christie with minimal changes. Keep that in mind.