the 47 lab RS-A1 arm, and it's clone ?

Price on these for a new arm is $1350.
www.sakurasystems.com/price.html

Here's some information from their website:
www.sakurasystems.com/products/rsa-1.html

I am interested in the RS-A1, however, I'm not sure I have the patience for it.
Dopogue,
Do you think with time and handling, a person can use it with ease and use it as a primary arm?
Which cart did you hear it with?
Can you describe the sound, compare it to other arms?
Thanks!