I have owned both a DA 50 and a DLE 55. I liked the DA much better. The DLE always ran, produced the same power as the DA but was more difficult to get tuned well and had a nasty high frequency vibration that I could never get rid of. I also have a DA 150 that is serial #257 that has well over 2,000 runs on it. IMO yes the DA is well worth the additional money IF you are looking towards refinement and longevity.

I will let others rave about the legendary DA customer service.