Ricoh 751 Ricoh 901s GA+

We are looking to upgrade from our Xerox 252. The reasons for the upgrade is for better image quality, better registration (our machine is really bad when printing on 11 X 17 sheets), ability to print on heavier weight paper, and ability to duplex when doing multiple variable data on the same sheet. Originally we were looking at the Xerox j75 or the 800 and now considering the Ricoh C751EX or 901s GA+.

The reviews I have found on the two Ricoh machines say they are one of the best digital printers when it comes to quality and speed but there is a consistent complaint about banding and halo issues after a short time frame of about 40,000 prints. Most of the posts about these issues are 6 months to over a year old so I am looking for updated information from users who have posted in the past to see if these problems have been resolved and also input from users of more recently purchased Ricoh machines to see if they are also having these issues. Of course, the salesman has assured me the issues have been resolved with things like the “paper library”. However, I would like to hear from some Ricoh users that these issues truly have gone away. Also, please post if there are any new issues that have developed over time as these machines get older or if there are better digital printers in the same class we should be considering. Thanks.