Rob,
As I said, we each have our own opinions and for me, I prefer the '89 to the AP280. I did make my own hose and the increase in suction is amazing. I rarely ever used the low speed on the AP280 - opening the suction relief valve accomoplished the same thing. Yes, the after filter is a little thin but I got around that by making my own from furnace filters. The '89 is also very quiet, compares to the Miele.
Gary
