If you want portability and quality may I suggest a Tele Vue 76 + Telepod which just pips $3k. This is a very nice 'scope and the difference between it and say an ED80 is noticeable to the discerning viewer.
For a bit more aperture and a different 'scope altogether then perhaps the Meade ETX-LS 6" ACF LightSwitch for less than $2.4k. This one has some nice innovative features compared with other SCT's; an inbuilt camera for example.
The TV-76 will give you nice wide field views and lovely planets (given the right eyepiece) but the Meade 6" will give you brighter views on all objects. The TV-76 would be a lot more portable and could be used for daytime observation very easily.
Whatever you choose, enjoy!
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