Yeah, some sets just have an unbeatable picture. My Samsung 46” LCD I bought for 4700 from Best Buy in 2007 has an awesome picture. The Ex is still using it. Power hungry tho and cranks out heat. I bought an LG 3D to replace it but picture is not as good. Much less power and heat from it tho.
I would walk thru a big box store and check which LED models have the best picture. Then look online for a good price and have it shipped. Almost all are under a grand. That plasma could seriously hurt someone if it fell on them. : ) I’d use a wood stove to replace the heat.
It is indeed a heavy TV. I can't lift off the table it is on by myself. It has a solid base, so tipping over is unlikely unless in an earthquake..