"M" is magnetic ballast, and thus no lamp controls. "S" is solid state ballast, and has lamp controls, and less flicker on video. The "S" also introduced position feedback in the fixture, but otherwise they are the same. The "M" was done by HES to get the fixture shipping while they were having problems with the solid state lamp ballasts. Oh, and the "S" will run the full range of voltages, whereas the "M" will only do 208/240 50/60HZ, and has be be manually jumpered for the one you want.
I believe there is also a logic card difference between the S's and the 575's (Current version) If you can find the 575's they will be the easiest to get parts for, as there were many more of them manufactured.
Versions M Magnetic Oldest S Switching Ballast, but still old Logic Card 575, Similar to Studio Spot, newest style, Most manufactured.
Yes, the 575 is an updated logic card, but the same functionality, and slightly sexier trim plastic.
I have 8 of the "M" variant, and unless you need to support 120V, they work just find, and it's a lot harder to blow up a magnetic ballast than a SS one. I have also used mine with video, and never had a bit of trouble, but your milage may vary. As far as parts, with the exception of the case and logic card, the "M", "S", and 575 are more the same than difference, so myself, I would not consider parts an issue. Heck, you might be able to use the new logic card in the "M" or "S" - frankly, I don't know, but everything else is identical . . .
Nope, M and S use different motor drivers than the 575 series. And they are similar, but I believe the newer 575's have a much smoother pan and tilt at certain speeds.
But if they are a "Bad Buy" depends on the price. And what they are worth to you.
Nope, M and S use different motor drivers than the 575 series.
Considering that the motor drivers are a generic, off the shelf part that is in no way unique to High End, I'd consider that almost an irrelevancy myself . . . . and I doubt that HES or LightParts (etc.) is going to cease to stock those chips anyhoo, since they are only a few bucks on the open market . . .
At any rate, the price of $3800 for 4 with cases sounds good here - I paid about $1k each for mine, sans cases about 5 years ago, when the "M" wasn't quite as old. That, and I have not seen the "S" or 575 versions anywhere near that cheap myself . . . so, if they meet your needs, they are a solid, supported fixture . . . choose accordingly!
Yep, I would agree with that. The only big difference is that the M's won't run on 120 volt, But if you are in europe, that won't make any difference at all.
That being said, I have seen some steppyness in the movement of those types of fixtures due to the older driver type.
But it takes fairly specific circumstances to bring it out.
Sounds like a fair deal. In looking quickly at some broker sites, It looks like M's go for around $1200 US usually, (Cheaper in numbers) S's probably around $1600, and 575's are probably pretty close to $1600-1700 as well..
In any case, Enjoy your fixtures. And don't forget to figure lamp costs into your purchase. MSR575/2 cost around $200 each. And I would definitely replace them every 600-800 hours or so. As if they fail, they can cause $1000's of dollars in damage to the glass in the fixture.
