While are agree that a single DX5/DX6 head is more expensive than a single DX4 head it is less expensive than 4 DX4 heads. That is the only gotcha on the JV33 and newer generation printers using DX5, DX6 and newer heads. If one channel goes out then the whole 8 channel head needs replacing while on the older DX4 head if one channel goes out then only that one 2 channel head needs replaced. That being said - aligning 4 separate heads is a much more complicated process to get just right - with a single 8 channel head there is almost zero alignment to deal with, also only one capping top and one pump versus 4 capping tops and 2 pumps. As I mentioned before - the JV3 and other DX4 based machines, while workhorses and literally thousands still going strong - they are still 10+ year old outdated technology. If you are in the market to buy a machine right now - for very little more cost than a JV3 you can find a good used JV33 and step up to much newer technology, far easier maintenance, faster speed, much more reliable, easy to configure USB connection (instead of somewhat finicky firewire), and knowing availability of parts and support will be that much longer. You can find a good used fully working JV33 now for around $7000. Yes - you can a find a good used fully working JV3 for $5000 but in my opinion the difference is not worth it. You could also fine a JV3 needing some work for far less but then you have a big headache and expense of replacing the heads and probably capping station, pumps, and dampers, plug a few hundred bucks in ink getting it aligned and back up and running good and ultimately might end up spending over 5k.
