I like George's too. I too am trying to find a good balance between value and resolution. Truth be told, I am thinking of going to a 2811 based 60/m with a 682 controller to keep the sign a bit smaller since I am like 30' to the street, but I am clueless and not really wanting to go astray from RJ's gear.
I'm using the E681 without any issues with about 400 GE Coloreffects lights I have on my roof line and yard outline. I was concerned a bit at first, but it has proven to be a solid piece of hardware. For a matrix where all of the strips/nodes will be right next to each other, it may actually be easier to use a 681 or 682 because they plug right into the board. I do like RJ's SS gear better for flexibility it offers for element spread out in the yard.
Josh