Now here is a Yairi that was right below. For that money dif, there, I would pick up the Yairi.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Alva...91320944&rt=nc
Today's Yairi's are still AAA guitars. Yairis are finished in their shop in Japan. Alvarez guitars are checked out by the luthiers there, and then shipped out. They have great QC. A friend of mine picked up a Taylor 214CE about 5 years ago, It has turned out to be a great guitar, plus he is a better player because of it. I played with him on Friday night, and he and his guitar are sounding great.
Best,
JIm