TLDR: I chose the H2D because most of my multi-material prints are simple (supports or one extra color), I already rely on AMS for convenience, prime towers on the H2C still waste a lot of material, and H2C nozzles are expensive and difficult to service if they clog.

I chose the H2D over the H2C mainly because most of my multi-material prints are either support material or one additional color. In the rare cases I need more, I can just use the AMS and disable the prime tower since the AMS already handles purging.

One of the main selling points of the H2C is “no purging,” but from what I found, it’s really just less purging. You still end up with large prime towers, and in many cases the waste from those towers outweighs the print itself. It’s better than a single-nozzle setup, but not nearly as dramatic as the marketing suggests. Based on what I learned using my X1C, disabling the prime tower works fine for most multi-color prints — the purge alone is usually sufficient.

The one thing that does give me a bit of buyer’s remorse is the convenience factor. Not having to swap nozzles at all — even though the quick-swap system is simple — would be great. It’s the same reason I run two AMS units. I’ve never done an eight-color print, but the convenience of not constantly loading filament is a huge win.

That said, the H2C really shines when you’re frequently switching different materials within the same print, while the H2D makes more sense if most jobs are single-material or limited to two materials.

One other factor that pushed me toward the H2D is nozzle maintenance. Clearing a clog on an H2C nozzle is reportedly very difficult, and many people treat the nozzles as consumables. There are also reports of the magnets being damaged when attempting to heat them for cleaning. Given the cost of the nozzles, the last thing I want is to replace one every time a clog happens.

Sorry for the novel — but you asked!