Hi Grant & Welcome
If you have $1000 to spend and the easy portability is not an Issue.
I would go with the 12" GS dob
Appature rules if you want to SEE STUFF !
If you want imaging, different story again.
For me the thrill is in seeing the faint fuzzies described in the Mag's and being able to make out the detail.
I use EQ, Go-To & Alt Az Dob.
The dob is still my favourite
(I just want a bigger one
)