what did you end up getting? inquiring minds want to know!
i was having this same internal battle at the exact same time...and missed this thread. after LOADS of research myself, i ended up going with the Panasonic 65" GT50 plasma. I couldn't be happier.
just had it ISF calibrated. anybody who is curious is welcome to come check it out. i'm in Charlotte.
ordered from amazon on dec 23rd afternoon, and it arrived dec 24th morning (i was exceptionally well-behaved this year). free overnight shipping as an amazon prime member...with 30 day satisfaction guarantee that if you don't like it, send it back. amazon prime is a HUGE no-brainer for me. pretty much gives you free overnight or 2 day shipping on just about everything and all kinds of other benefits.
i can also WHOLEHEARTEDLY recommend a new receiver...Pioneer SC-1222k, the internals of which are all but identical to the Elite SC-63 and other Pioneer models selling for about $1000+. the 1222 goes for $549 on Newegg. Power out the WAZOO with the new Class D amps on board. Plenty to drive 5 power hungry B&W's.
anyway, Plasma is the way to go in my opinion. the picture isn't as bright per se, but it is EXTREMELY natural and accurate. I turn off the lights all the way at the beginning of movies to watch white on black credits appear because it's so pretty
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2005 X5 3.0i - 71k mi (9.2018) -> 81k (9.2019) -> 100k (9.2021) -> 123k (8.2025)
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SOLD : 2003 X5 3.0 - 177k mi (9.2018) -> 186k (9.2019) -> 205k (9.2021)
SOLD : 1997 328is Coupe - Hellrot Red
SOLD : 1988 528e w/ Bullseye s256 / MS2 Extra / GC Coilovers / Yukon Coils ~ 300+ HP