Brass crusader

Hey~
Like you said, you can get a used professional model horn for the same or less...I play a variety of new, vintage, and too old to be "new", but too new to be vintage horns.
Do you want a new horn because of the appearances? Personally, I'd rather have a horn that looks like hell and plays great, than some new shiny thing that plays well.
Ultimately, it's up to you, and whatever you prefer is the best for you.
However, vintage or used older horns can be a little more unique, but you really should play each one before you consider buying. I'd avoid ordering either of those horns off the internet, you should try to locate a good store by you, and play as many different brands as you can. I've got nothing against modern horns, I play one, but I agree with you that for the kind of price you're looking at paying, you could probably find a very lightly used horn of a higher quality than these two.

Like I said, this is strictly my biased opinion, and whatever works best for you, and whatever you like is the best horn for you.

Best of luck

__________________
~Brass Crusader

Yamaha Xeno Custom w/ reverse leadpipe
1947 Olds Super Recording trumpet
1947 Olds Special trumpet
1952 Olds Ambassador cornet
1967 Olds Special cornet
1970's Yamaha 631 Flugel w/ Rose brass bell
1970's Conn 17b Coprion director
Other assorted Conns and Olds
Yamaha and Bach Mouthpieces
1929 Martin Handcraft "The New Master"
1935 Conn 22B NY Symphony Special tpt
'83 Callet New York Super Large Bore trpt.
'35 Conn 32H trombone