Chauvet vs Elation

[impedious]

Hi
Finally got some money to put in to our lighting. Plan to go DMX-512. I have been working to get this approved for some time. Only have $500 but it is start. We have 14 pot lights various sizes, I think I got the cabling figured out. I am just trying to figure out what way to go.

Chauvet individual prices are less expensive and the light boards claim to have more functionality. But they don't seem to have any package deals.

If I go Chauvet I don't know if it is better to go 3 4 channel dimmer controls or 1 6 channel dimmer control with the 2 20 amp service requirement which I would be wiring in either way. They have a couple of low end control panels, the Obey 70 and the Stage Designer 50 which I don't know which is more functional.

Elation individual prices are higher but they have inexpensive packages, I just wonder if the included control board would be undersized if I was to add more lights down the road.

IF I go Elation I would need to add an extra 4 channel dimmer and I don't know if it is best to stay in brand or lowest cost( the Chauvet)

I don't know where the quality comparison stand between the two, and reviews I have read seem to be all over the map.

I know this is low end but if you saw what we used for lighting our Christmas production 5 years ago you would shudder. One step at a time

Tim