VPI Avenger Plus vs J Sikora Standard Max

Yes, I agree, that's a rather specific comparison, but my goal is to purchase a turntable and keep it for the long-term.  Having researched the usual suspects, and knowing that I have a penchant for dynamics and realistic timbre (being an old musician I tend to prefer the sound of being rather close, if not "inside" the band), I tend to lean toward direct drive or rim drive, but not exclusively.  Like most people, I listen to about 40% classical (mostly orchestral), 40% jazz (acoustic and electronic, new and old) and about 20% rock and other. 

So, at the moment I have narrowed my search to the VPI Avenger Plus (due mostly to the fact that it has rim drive, heavy mass and can accommodate 3 tonearms) and the J Sikora Standard Max (high mass and reputation for dynamics and musicality, and 2 tonearms). 

Since it is nigh impossible to hear them side by side I thought I would ask if anyone has had the opportunity, as unlikely as it is, to hear them together?  Obviously the tonearm and cartridge will make a large difference, but I'd like to ask about your aural observations between these two turntables.  And yes, I may try to attend Axpona this year in the hope of at least hearing them within a short time of each other, but the system differences may make that almost meaningless.   

Thank you in advance for any help you might provide.