Used VP-540i vs. new VS-540

[Doyle]

I have been putting off this purchase for a long time, but it is finally time to lay our SP-300v to rest and buy a new printer. I am looking at purchasing one of the following:

Used (refurbished) VP-540i - $16k
Comes with a 1 year parts and labor warranty, has been refurbished to print like brand new. *BONUS* I can trade-in my SP-300v for $4k towards this purchase

or

New VS-540 - $20k
Roland 2 year warranty, all the warm fuzzy feelings that come with buying a new printer. *would have to sell my SP300v on my own, and deal with all of the headaches that come with selling it.*

I do not want to keep the SP300v at all, I want the new printer to completely take its place, so needs to be a print/cutter. (also would like to be rid of this machine to help fund the new purchase, because I want to buy some other new toys as well).

I'm pretty much sold on buying a Roland. The versacamm we have been using for 6+ years has been incredibly reliable and trouble-free, so Roland has some brownie points with me for that. I have been very pleased with that printer (only regret is that I did not buy the sp540).

I'm wondering if anyone that owns or that has owned either or both printers could give me some reviews or pros/cons of each model. From what I understand, the new VS series uses a single-head design and it has been indicated to me that Roland needs to address some profile issues with this printer and how it prints solid colors that I would have no problems printing with the VP (or my current SP, for that matter). I was told that the VS has issues with printing some noise in these solid colors, though I will see first hand when I go to look at them side-by-side.

Thanks in advance for anyone who cares to chime in, I appreciate the input! :signs101::U Rock:

 

[DRW]

For what it is worth, I had the same scenerio last year. Decided to upgrade from a SP-300v to a 54" or larger, but looking for a Roland only. Also studio space was a concern, and we outsourced the minmal work we had that was larger then the 28" offered on the 300. Was debating the cost/options vs a new vs-540, Sp-540i, and talked to various dealers about refurbs and demos. Came across a dealer, who took in a mint vp-540i which sat for 3 years, and they replaced all lines, all 4 heads, dampers, captop, etc, all OEM. Went and checked it out, was perfect, and I Offered 9200 Cash, and it was a done deal. Aside from the money, the fact that I will never use white ink etc, and I am not really a high volume, (printer printing 10 hours a day etc) made my decision a lot easier. I have done all maintenance and repairs on the Versacamms I have owned, so warranty wasn't an issue. Bigest difference is how much faster it is vs the SP-300.

I am sure the VS-540 vs the VP-540i is knight and day, and won't compare the two since I never owned a VS, however after much research and thought process, with regards to my needs, I have no regrets on my purchase. Do your homework, sweat every detail, and good luck in your endeavor.

 

[tradeup]

Not sure how far you are from Chicago but signoutletstore.com has refurbs. I actually went there and compared the models and for my needs ended up purchasing an XC 540 Soljet III.

I wanted a 6 color machine so that is why I chose the Soljet and it was only 18999.99 refurbished and it only comes with a 6 month warranty but I upgraded to a 2 year plan.

My second choice was there VS 640 which refurbished was only 18999.99 as well and I contemplated on it as it has the White and Metallic ink option which I thought was cool but I figured it would be prone to head clogs if I didn't use the metallic or white colors often. But on the up side the VS can be configured for 6 color light magenta and light cyan which produces better colors and do not think you would sacrifice speed in a 6 color machine.

As far as your trade in for 4000.00 you could probably do better on craigslist. Put together a computer put tons of clip art on it. Include some of your tools or equipment and supplies that you would want to upgrade and sell it as a complete package.

I bought a 200.00 computer loaded it up, put with my grommet machine, wall rack some old vinyl that was laying around, my used cutting mat, A cheap trimmer I had, some rulers and a few squeegees and sold for 8000.00 (my old sp 300v)

That allowed me to purchase a larger cutting mat, newer grommet machine, upgraded rulers, and A Roland trimmer. I had the printer listed for 6000.00 by itself and got no leads, as soon as I made it a package it sold within days! And I made sure the buyers were from out of town so I wasn't selling to future competition!

Both machines are awesome but like others say get the best you can afford. So you are not regretting like you are with your 300

 

[Mr Big City Signs]

Does anyone have a Roland SJ 645 they're selling for parts? Need the entire bearing block assembly

 

[redbarn]

I have run a vp300 for 5 years and havent had any problems (knock on wood). I love it, rolands are workhorses. Im always surprised that people let the print/cut functionality be a deal breaker. I LOVE the print/cut machine, it is invaluable. Having said that I also have a stand alone plotter to help workflow. Plotters are cheap, why wouldn't you get both and have the most functionality possible? Love my setup and my machines.

 

[CanuckSigns]

We've had both, the VS 540 is leaps and bounds better, much faster, better quality, better media handling system.

Get the VS

 

[Doyle]

Thanks for the replies, I have decided to go ahead with the VP-540i. I went and looked at it and the machine is in excellent condition. The VP prints quite a bit faster than my SP, fast enough for what we need anyway. A one year parts and labor warranty makes me feel better about it being a used machine. Seems to me you have to be pretty confident in the quality of the machine to back it with a warranty like that, so I will save some money on my purchase so I can make some additional equipment upgrades at the same time. (just ordered a new Dell XPS i7 with 16gb ram and dual 24" monitor setup too, sweet!)