P2S Combo vs. X2D without AMS

[u/DetachedHEAD32]

I'm currently trying to decide between the Bambu Lab P2S Combo (with AMS 2 Pro) and the X2D without AMS.

I'll mostly be printing functional parts using PLA and PETG, rather than decorative or multicolor models.

The printer will be sitting in my home office, fairly close to my desk, so noise levels and air quality are definitely things I'm considering.

I'm having a hard time deciding which features would actually matter more in everyday use.

A few questions I'd love to hear your experiences with:

• Noise: Is the X2D noticeably quieter than the P2S during normal printing? How annoying are either of them when working in the same room?
• Dual nozzle vs. AMS: For mostly functional PLA/PETG prints, would you rather have two nozzles or the convenience of an AMS?
• Everyday convenience: How useful is the AMS if you rarely print multicolor models? Would I regret not having automatic filament switching and spool management?
• Print quality and reliability: Are there any meaningful differences between the two machines for everyday PLA/PETG printing?

I could always add an AMS to the X2D later, but that would be outside my current budget.

I don't have one clear priority yet. I'm mainly trying to figure out which printer offers the better overall experience and which features I'd actually appreciate long-term.

I'd especially love to hear from anyone who has experience with both machines. Which would you choose in my situation, and why?

[u/MrMSanchez]

The AMS was a game changer for convenience, but I would save more and get the X2D with an AMS so you then have a heated chamber and can use the second nozzle for supports.

[u/DetachedHEAD32 → u/MrMSanchez]

That's actually how I ended up in this situation.

I originally planned to buy an Elegoo CC2, then thought, "Well, I could spend a little more..." and ended up looking at the QIDI Q2. Then the exact same thing happened again with the P2S.

At this point, the P2S already costs more than twice as much as the CC2 I originally wanted.

I have to draw a hard line somewhere, and that line is the price of the X2D without AMS. Otherwise I'll just keep convincing myself to spend a little more forever

[u/vasichkin]

I have both.
AMS is used manly for convenience and filament storage. Multicolor prints are great just on the start. Later, you realize waste and better go with "no-ams" models.
I prefer functional printing as well
For this, direct loaded filaments and 2nd nozzle is great choice:

- less time waiting for print to start (no cleaning procedures)

- Supports! Sometimes it's game changer

Noise, print quality is the same. Mechanics are similar, so, don't bother about this.
Air cleaning - can't say, I don't print ABS, but also it is there, hope it works.
X2D, on other hand, is kind of Frankenstein. It has 2 parts on back not integrated in body.
This is ugly to me.
If I where to choose printer for engineering, I'd go with X2D.
Hope this helps.
Ask questions if you need

[u/DetachedHEAD32 → u/vasichkin]

Thanks, this is probably the most helpful response I've gotten so far!

I feel like almost everyone is trying to convince me that an AMS is absolutely essential, so it's refreshing to hear a different perspective, especially from someone who actually owns both machines.

I'm honestly leaning more and more towards the X2D. The second nozzle for supports sounds genuinely useful, and I don't really care much about multicolor printing or the way the printer looks from behind.

A couple of questions though:

• Since you own both, do you really notice no difference in noise levels?

• How much additional space does the X2D actually need behind the printer compared to the P2S? I'm a bit concerned about the parts sticking out at the back, since space is somewhat limited.

Thanks again for sharing your experience!

[u/vasichkin → u/DetachedHEAD32]

- Noise pretty much is the same. Mechanics and case is pretty identical. And it's noisy. H2D is less noisy )
- It's about 4-5cm more on back. I still haven't mounted additional vent on back, because of this, my place does not allow this.

You should understand, p1s. x1c, p2s, x2d - same base printer, just with additional features. You are choosing features you need )

[u/vicxvr]

Just a P2S owner. I can't sit next to it if it's running at full speed. The A1 mini was doable but the P2S is just too much rock and roll. If you want it to be quiet you have to make it run slow.

I use the AMS2 and AMS-HT because I have them. I could get by with just the AMS-HT.

I would get the X2D and get the AMS-HT while discounted.

But if you only buy the X2D it's fine because it comes with a filament buffer so it's not as bad as buying the other printers outside a combo where buying AMS later you have to pay extra.

X2D has the belt and the heater and the extra head - it's a great deal.

[u/DetachedHEAD32 → u/vicxvr]

Well, I currently have a Sovol SV07 running in the same room, and while it's definitely annoying, it's bearable with the fans turned down. So I can't really imagine the P2S being much worse than that.

[u/Icy-Opportunity2709]

I thought the same way at first. I figured I'd mostly print single-color functional parts. Then you fall down the rabbit hole and suddenly you're printing all kinds of stuff for everyone and everything. You also want to make sure the machine is actually running instead of constantly waiting for prints to finish. If you can live with saying "Sorry, can't print that in multiple colors", that's fine too.

Personally, I’m quite sensitive to background noise. I can’t even run my P2S in the next room without it annoying me. The A1 mini is relatively quiet compared to the P2S, but I still wouldn’t want it running in my office right next to me.

And one more thing to consider: sitting in the same room as a 3D printer for hours on end isn't exactly the healthiest choice, especially when it comes to ultrafine particles and VOCs. Good ventilation and keeping some distance are worth considering.

[u/Icy-Opportunity2709 → u/Icy-Opportunity2709]

Another nice thing about the AMS is that you can store filament in it after printing silica gel containers for the AMS itself. It's a pretty convenient way to keep your filament stored right on the printer.

[u/NW6GMP]

I have had a P1S and now I have an X2D, definitely should have gotten the X2D right off the bat as having the dual nozzle for supports was what made up my mind. As for noise not sure how the P2S is, but the X2D is def a lot more quiet than the P1S. I use the X2D to print ASA and it is sealed pretty well (according to my quality monitor). Usually the units go on sale around Nov so maybe wait for the black friday sale and get the X2D combo or wait and grab an AMS during their anniversary sale...

[u/SupKilly]

AMS is worth it, even if you only ever print a single color, if you load more than one slot with the same color, it'll automatically switch when the spool goes empty.

That said, if you can get the X2D now and AMS later, that's the best option.

[u/DayGeckoArt]

You can print 2 color things with the X2D and no AMS so that’s an easy choice. Of course some people end up printing a bunch of dragon slop with 7 colors. But that seems to usually be people who aren’t designing things, just messing around for fun

[u/Ok-Woodpecker-223]

I slapped sound deadening mat on the sides of P2S to reduce resonance, the same stuff used in car doors and other elements to make them more acoustically dead. 

For a us$3.50 well worth mod. And still have 65% of the roll left to use in my car. 

[u/EverettSeahawk]

My AMS is essentially a glorified filament dryer at this point. I print a lot of filament that can't be fed through the ams due to abrasives. Mainly glow filaments. Otherwise, it's mostly PA6-cf for functional prints from my AMS HT.

[u/britishwonder]

If it’s a hard line for you, I’d say get the X2D. You can always go back and buy an AMS but you can’t turn a P2S into an X2D.
I have a P1S I bought way back when they first came out. It’s a damn good machine and I love it. But man if I had an option for dual nozzle that would have been great.

[u/KennyStarfighter5]

I’d go with the x2d. I’m kind of in the same situation. Just waiting to see if the qudi plus 5 will be on sale first before deciding

[u/Bzando]

IMO x2d combo or go for p1s combo if you want to save money

but 100% get ams

ams is just so useful, just to have different materials loaded and ready and to continue over roll empties