Just got this beast, and it is so quiet and powerful!

I had the more standard model blendtec for about 4 years and it was always a fantastic blender and pretty much got the job done.

I thought I'd give the vitamix a shot, since I heard so many things about their tamper and how well it provides smooth blends. Purchased one and found it weak, and couldn't quite handle the more solid and frozen items quite like the blendtec could. And the tamper was annoying. I ended up returning it.

I got this beast, because I felt an upgrade was in order. Wow, I didn't realize just how amazing this thing is until I finally stated using it! VERY quiet and pretty much blends ANYTHING you put in that jar. Worth every penny!