A3+ printers

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My Pixma 9000 having gone to that great god in the sky, I am looking for input as to what to buy next. I am confused by the fact that the new Canon 6550 and 7000 seem cheaper than the old 9000 and 9500 still on sale. Is there a reason for this? Should I buy Epson this time? The R2000 seems to have rave reviews. I print mostly in A3+, and sell quite a number of prints mostly of the 24 Hours and the Classic, although others as well. Advice please.