I have no experience with the 9000, other than pulling the lever of a few at some sporting goods stores; but I do have a 650 jr (410 and 16 ga). It's a good machine, no complaints. I do, however, have a 366 (410 and 16), APEX 3.1 (12 and 20), and 7 DL-105 Hornady Pacifics (12 ga 3" and 2 3/4", 16 ga, 20 ga 3" and 2 3/4 ", and 2 for parts). I obviously love my Hornadys. I do feel the Hornadys are constructed much better. The only things I would change on the 366 is shot/powder detects and the ability to remove the hulls at any station much like the Apex.
I have had the occasion to contact both companies for various reasons; customer service is top-notch from both.
On the other hand, there are lots of MEC fans out there; I think you really couldn't go wrong either way. If you can find them on display somewhere and compare what you think is important would be the best way to decide. When I spend 3-400 hard-earned bucks on something I don't mind driving an hour or two
