EPSON SureColor S9170 vs S80600: Solvent Printer Speed Test & Upgrade Comparison
Is the Epson SureColor S9170 the Next Must-Have Solvent Printer?
The Epson SureColor S80600 has long been a favorite in the wide-format printing industry. Known for its reliable color accuracy and high-quality output, it’s served countless print shops since its debut nearly a decade ago. But with the launch of the Epson SureColor S9170, there’s a new contender on the scene—and print professionals are wondering: Is it finally time to upgrade?
Real-World Solvent Speed Test: S9170 vs S80600
While printer specs often boast high speed and efficiency, real-world performance is what truly matters. That’s why we ran a direct comparison between the S80600 and the new S9170 using the same challenging media: gloss adhesive vinyl. This material is notorious for revealing issues like banding, making it the perfect benchmark for quality-at-speed.
The test file measured 52" x 70" (over 25 square feet) and was printed in three different pass modes per printer. This allowed us to assess how well each printer balanced speed with sellable quality.
Shocking Results: S9170 is 2.5x Faster in Production Mode
The results weren’t even close. The Epson S9170's 4-pass mode matched the S80600’s 8-pass output in quality—yet delivered it at a staggering 376 sq ft/hr vs. 143 sq ft/hr. That’s a 2.5x performance increase without sacrificing image quality.
This leap forward is driven by Epson’s upgraded technology, including:
- A new 2.6-inch PrecisionCore printhead
- Enhanced media feed system
- Refined ink drop control algorithms
The result is high-speed output with virtually no banding—something that was simply not possible with the older S80 generation.
Blind Quality Test: Professionals Couldn’t Tell the Difference
To validate the results, we conducted a blind test with in-house print professionals and color techs. They evaluated output from both printers—without knowing which machine produced which file. The verdict? A nearly even 50/50 split. The S9170's 4-pass prints were visually indistinguishable from the S80600's 8-pass output, proving you can have speed without compromise.
Side-by-Side Time Comparison
In a real-time print test, the S9170 completed the 52" x 70" job in just 5 minutes and 5 seconds. The S80600 took 11 minutes and 50 seconds in its comparable mode. This isn’t a small efficiency bump—it’s a major productivity boost.
Key Features of the Epson SureColor S9170
- 2.6” PrecisionCore print head for higher ink density
- Production speeds up to 376 sq ft/hr
- Advanced feed system for accurate media handling
- Improved ink drop control for smoother gradients
- Excellent performance on adhesive vinyl, banners, and vehicle wraps
Why the S9170 Is a Smart Upgrade for Print Shops
If your business relies on fast turnaround times or you’re scaling up production, the S9170 offers more than just speed. With a price around $26,000, it delivers premium-level performance at a cost far below comparable high-output solvent printers. It’s designed to keep your workflow moving while maintaining the color and image quality Epson is known for.
Final Verdict: Should You Upgrade from the S80600?
Based on our test results, the answer is a clear yes. The Epson SureColor S9170 isn’t just faster—it’s significantly more efficient without giving up the quality standards the S80600 established. If your S80 is starting to show its age or your workload is increasing, the S9170 is worth serious consideration.
See It for Yourself
Want to test it yourself? Contact us at IT Supplies to schedule a live demo or send in your test files. We’ll print them on the S9170 and return the output for your review—so you can see the speed and quality difference firsthand.
Watch the Full Video
Check out our full YouTube video for a side-by-side print test and real-time results: Epson SureColor S9170 vs S80600 – Solvent Speed Test
FAQs
What makes the Epson S9170 faster than the S80600?
The S9170 uses a larger printhead and advanced ink control, allowing for higher ink density with fewer passes—dramatically improving speed.
Is image quality still high at faster speeds?
Yes. In blind tests, experts could not distinguish the S9170's 4-pass output from the S80's slower 8-pass prints.
Can the S9170 handle vehicle wraps and banners?
Absolutely. It’s optimized for a wide range of wide-format applications, including wraps, banners, vinyl graphics, and wallpaper.
Is it worth upgrading from the S80600?
If speed, efficiency, and future scalability matter to your shop, the S9170 is a highly worthwhile upgrade.
How can I try it before buying?
Reach out to us at itsupplies.com to book a demo or send us your test files for a sample print.
IT Supplies is your one-stop source for wide-format printers, supplies, and support. We carry top brands including EPSON, HP, and Canon. Explore our full lineup of solvent, latex, dye-sublimation, DTF, and DTG printers at www.itsupplies.com or call 1-800-771-9665.
