what is the best vacuum?

We would love your opinions!  We go through vacuums way too fast and I'm sick of spending hundreds of dollars to have them last a year or less.  Several Hoovers and a Eureka later - we need another one.  Our current vacuum is way too loud and getting louder - I've started wearing ear plugs.  And it really struggled picking up sand off the tile since our back patio was under construction. Â

I have a friend with a Dyson - she swears by it.  But she (who shall remain nameless) has a full time maid!  I want advice from someone who actually uses these $500+ vacuums that are supposed to be "the best."

The Consumer Reports survey says to get one from Sears - but ever since our $2000 washing machine from Sears went down a few weeks after the warranty expired I haven't bought a thing from Sears.  And keep in mind the tiny little broken part on that machine was $900!  So we bought a new machine scratch and dent from somewhere else.

Please help us - we love comments!