Rock: $800 for just the RedSea Max Tank itself? If so, that's quite high. That thing is $599 MSRP, I believe.
Saltylake, if your dropping 6 large for one of those, the RedSea Max is the way to go, I think. Even the protein skimmer is included, which is optional on the other one you linked to at cadlights.com
Now, you originally asked about something for the kitchen counter - did that change? I mean, with saltwater averaging 8.5lb/g, you're talking about near 300lb of water, not even counting the rock and sand! Plus, these are QUITE a bit bigger than the 6/8 gl units that would fit on the kitchen counter.
If the size doesn;t disturb you, the RedSea Max looks awesome.
Exotic Aquarium on Bird and 74th had a RedSea Max in stock, last time I went there, but it was a few weeks ago...I'd look at 'em in person.
One place that has the Current Aquapods and JBJ NanoCubes on display, and some even set up and running, is Beverly's Pets on University Drive and Pines Blvd here in Broward.
I'm not saying to necessarily BUY it there, but you can see them both in person, literally next to each other, out in the open on display. I do not believe they have the RedSea Max, though.
That LFS i mentioned on Bird is the only Dade LFS I've been to, so I don't know who else would have it in stock down there.
Big Al's has it on display as well, but last I checked, they wanted $899 for the tank alone, which is $599 everywhere else!!!
Maybe it was a mistake, or maybe I misread and it included the stand, but I don't think so.
Tony