tl;dr: What is the best quality consumer 3D printer available (NOT bambu labs)?

Hello,

I’m relatively new to 3D printing (<6 months exp) and am in need of advice.

Background: I purchased a used Prusa MK3S+ as my first printer (got a good deal from a neighbor, not a print farm). I had great experiences with it for a few months. However, recently several components keep breaking one after another. I’ve spent ~$100 over the last month replacing parts, and now it seems the power supply and/or mainboard needs replacing. (I promise I’ve followed every guide and been very careful. I think I’m just unlucky.) I’m sick of fixing my printer. I just want a printer that works. I’ve decided it’s time for me to just upgrade.

  1. What is currently the best consumer level printer available? I do NOT want a Bambu Labs printer. Otherwise, I would just get the X1C. Here are some things that are important to me:
  • Open source software available (even if rooting is necessary)
  • Very high quality prints
  • Enclosure would be nice
  • The bigger the better
  • Reliable
  • Ideally can be made quiet for overnight prints, even if I need to turn down the speed.

Currently I’m looking at the Qidi X-Max 3 and the Creality K1C. I’m hesitant though because both are new and both brands have had QA issues on other products. I’m also looking at the Rat Rig V-Core 3.1, but I’m scared it’ll be a mess of tinkering like my Prusa was.

Any input or recommendations from more experienced people would be greatly appreciated.

  1. What should I do with my Prusa MK3S+? I don’t want to throw it out, but I’m not sure its worth anybody’s time or money if the mainboard and power supply are dead. I definitely don’t wanna put any more time or money into fixing it myself.

Sorry for the long post, but I felt adding context would help specify what I’m looking for.

Thanks in advances for any replies!

  • NaibofTabr
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    8 months ago

    I recently bought a Kingroon KLP1. It had some issues out of the box, but with a bit of tinkering it’s running really nicely. I haven’t had to put any money into fixing it, just make some adjustments. The discord community is active and helpful.

    But, if you want something that works nicely out of the box you might consider the Sovol SV06+.