I certainly support the idea to take the drive to Orlando to play a few Alembics. They've had a nice healthy stock of them every time I've been there. Although it has been more than a few years since the last time. If you get an opportunity to play an Essence, you should definitely do that. They can be had used at prices well within your price range and they are just freakin' awesome.
Hieronymous also wisely suggested picking up a 5-string of another brand and finding out if and how much you like 5-string. Pick up something you are confident you can turn around for near the same price, because if you get an Alembic 5-string, the other bass will likely sit idle a lot.
