Hi Phil,
Why don't you have a look at Gondwana Telescopes
http://gondwanatelescopes.com/ultral...lescope-marana
Alex makes beautiful telescopes perfectly balanced and smooth action. With Nexus or Argo Navis attached you'll have all the benefits of a goto but better in my opinion. Others may not agree but I have Nexus on my DOB and absolutely love it.
Alex can fix both types devices.
Other benefits of one of these is that it packs up so small and if you ever want to travel to a dark site you won't have a large 12" barrel and heavy dob base to transport.
Check Gondwana out, you won't be disappointed.
http://www.gondwanatelescopes.com/news-and-events
Special price for Queensland Astrofest well within your budget!
Hope this helps.
Peter