I have had a C9.25 and now a C14, both great scopes optically and even the C11's I have looked through look very clean to me. Celestron make great scopes for planetary image, not that great of course for DSO. However, they are still competent for DSO work.
In terms of planetary, the Celestron range of scopes is the preferred option. The Meade units just are not figured as well for this task. If you want to have a look around on my planetary pages you will find plenty of images taken with the C9.25
http://paulhaese.net/Planetary.html
So depending on which way you want to go, will depend on which type of scope you buy.
Best of luck with your pruchase.