Hi what model would you recommend for a first time buyer?

I’m looking to get my boyfriend a vitamix for Christmas. He has a blendtec currently but has always talked about getting a vitamix. I see Costco is selling the A2300 kitchen system and was thinking of getting it. Is there many major differences between the acsent x series vs ascent? I see the ascent x5 has 10 different recipe programs, but I imagine you can make all those recipes with any other model as well right? I also don’t wanna spend too much money so I want something that is of high quality and budget friendly. Thanks!