This is my second Blendtec blender.  My HP3 is 12 years old, gets used every day.  Don't need a new one but I like the look of this and the idea it's quiet.  Old HP3 was in the basement and I used hearing protection when using it.  Old blender was low 90 dB, this in is low 80s.  Dropping 10 dB is a lot.  Because of that this can live on my kitchen counter now.  It gets used every day, 1 veggie and 1 fruit smoothie.  It's big and expensive but if you have the space and money buy it, you only live once.