I don't have much experience, but have a 2 speed 1.5hp for 27' AGP with DE filter. Low is 2.9 amps 1725 rpm, high is 11 amps 3450 rpm. Low can barely be heard standing next to it. I wouldn't spend the money on variable speed. I think it was in $250 range.
Sent from my 4G LTE Droid using Tapatalk 2