Depends on what I'm using the album for. I also love the CM Albums, but most of my albums are purchased with coupons. Love those 40-50% off coupons.
I also like working on the 12x12 albums. A good leather expandable album can be pricey, now tack on the price of the page protectors.
I recently finished my vacation album to Italy. A beautiful leather bound expandable album with forty 12x12 pages. Between the album, page protectors, paper, embellishments, die cuts and the price to have the photo's developed, I probably could have taken another trip.