I guess it depends upon your application and budget and how many channels on your
desk you can sacrifice to movers.
From what I have seen in Australia, the 500’s are more common place than the 550’s and depending upon your application, the 500 might work for you.
Keep in mind that as a lot of the bigger production companies are buying the 700’s, many of them will be sell off their 500’ and 550’s. I would keep my eyes and ears open if I were you and also make some enquiries, so that when they come up for sale, you might be given the first opportunity.
There is also Pulse Enterprises in SA that do a range of movers that are based on
current top
line lights but are a cheaper alternative. I am not sure if they have a web site but if you wanted to PM or email me, I could pass it on to you. Their other details are:
Pulse Enterprises
1A Saltram
Road
Glenelg SA 5045
Ph/Fax: (08) 83762439
Their 575W Show Spot lists a trade price of $5500 inclusive of GST
However, it is difficult to go past the
Mac range, as it has become the benchmark here because of their price and features when compared to
Clay Paky or
Vari Lite. So whilst the Pulse Enterprise lights might be cheaper (although I do not know how they stack up in terms of feature or performance), you will probably not be able to compete with other companies that are quoting on shows and specifying Macs.
Robe might be another alternative but I really don’t know much about their range or cost.