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Depends what you mean by a top of the range telescope. There are a lot of variables.
When it all comes down to it, larger aperture will pull out more light and finer detail. That's the science. For visual, a good $6000 5-inch refractor won't match a good $1000 10-inch Dob or a 16-inch Dob (still less cost than the refractor). The Dobs will produce much higher resolution and more light for fainter DSO's.
Reasons for owning a refractor would usually be portability, simplicity or use for astrophotography. Good ones are expensive.
Everyone has their own subjective viewpoint on what a good eyepiece is.
A decent eyepiece (lots of brands) should give great views in larger Dobs.
Rob
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