Looking to change telescopes

I purchased a used 9.25 sct a couple of months ago and I'm getting the refractor bug again. Personally I don't see much of a difference in the light polluted skies between the sct and my previously owned Vixen 140 refractor. I thought the planets would be more detailed in a larger image, as it was with a 10" Meade LX50 I owned several years ago. That must of had pretty good optics because this 9.25 doesn't seem to be able to obtain high powers (over 300x) without loss of detail. I also miss the pinpoint star images found with a refractor. I also miss the fov. Anyway, I've pretty much thought of several replacements:

- Vixen VC200LDG would be better visually and for photography. Reviews state it has a flatter field and more pinpoint star images. Also in price range. Focal reducers available.

- Tak FS102. Just so many good things written about it I think I should try it out.

- Vixen 114ed. Very fast and wide fov. Used prices are pretty good and could only afford used.

- Vixen 102ed f/6.5. New it comes with flip mirror and 2" adapter. Will I be upset with false color knowing the Tak would be near colorless?

- Vixen 108DED f/5. Is the extra cost worth the extra ed glass? It's also most expensive and at my price limit.

I'm leaning towards the VC200L or 108DED. I've also considered finding a used Tak Mewlon 210 but that would be sort opposite of a fast scope but it would have better star images and great planetary images. My original idea was to keep the c9.25 and get the Vixen 102ed f/6.5. It seems a pretty good new price at $1,699, plus I have a $40 gift certificate at the store. I think I'm going in circles. I can't make a move until July so I have time to hopefully rationally think this through. I plan on bringing the 9.25 to a much darker site within the next week or two and that might confirm a decision. Any input?

Hi Don. I had an Ultima 9.25 which I thought was just ok the first 6 months I owned it. Then I had "one of those nights". It was dead still air and I could not believe the detail I was seeing on Jupiter. Numerous belts, white ovals and festoons were visible.It was a night I will never forget. In 4 years in north NJ I have only had 3 nights that evevn came close. I sold the scope and now have a 10" Zambuto Teleport and a Nexstar 11 for about a year. They have yet to come close to the view in the 9.25. I believe that the only way to really evaluate a premium scope is to have one of those perfect nights for a comparison. Until then it is really hard to judge. I hope to buy a 5" APO next to see if they really are better for my average seeing conditions. I really can't believe that my 9.25 could out perform a well collimated 10" Zambuto. but until I get another perfect night, I really can't tell. If you have really good seeing in you area, maybe your 9.25 is a dog. if your seeing is like mine, I encourage you to give it a more time. I sure miss mine. Ramon

Hi Don,
I think one needs to use a scope for a full year to really know how good it is.
Good skies. Bad Skies. And all the celestial seasons.
Linton

Don

I agree with Michael - going down in aperture may have you longing for more aperture very quickly! I like your idea of two scopes. Its nice to have the aperture when you're at a dark sky site and the refractor for back yard observing.

Clear skies
Bill