Hi Bazron,
Just a word of caution about going too big with your purchase. I went straight to a ten inch dob as my first telescope. It has been a two edge sword. I don't regret getting it as some nights have been very special but there are times I wished I had something smaller and easier to set up. I look outside and go tonight wouldn't be to bad but really I can't be bothered lugging my big scope outside as well as the chair and everything else. Maybe a good time to set up an observatory
but I digress.
I find that there are some nights that I don't need any scope to enjoy the stars. Now that I know what to look for I can see with my naked eye (I have very good eyesight) some of the larger objects in the sky, not to mention satellites, meteors, auroras and the such. On those nights I also just really want something a little smaller to gaze around with as I've usually travelled somewhere with good skies and I've left the big girl at home cause of no room to fit, scared someone will steal it when they see it through the window or worried it will get damaged.
Yes dobs may be the best value but they also have their limitations in some ways.
Ignorance is bliss too. If you were to go a refractor then you would never know how good a dob is and be happy with what you have!
In the end the choice is yours so good luck with your decision.
Simmo