I was about to buy the Ridgid when I came across the Delta 36-682 (right-tilt, 30" Biesemeyer fence) at the Greensboro Rockler. This was around November, and I think they were trying to reduce inventory before closing the store. Plus, this was Delta's last and now obsolete right-tilt contractor saw. So I was able to get it, a 50T Freud combo blade and Rocker's mobile base, all for around $50 more than the Ridgid! (Normally, it would have been about $300 more.)
My saw already has a lot of hours on it and I'm convinced that, price not withstanding, it would still be my first choice. The Biesemeyer fence is absolutely pro grade, and after two hours of getting it all aligned to about 0.003" (trunion, miter slots, table heights, fence) I have no concerns that I'll need anything more for a long while.
BUT, before I bought, I had done months of research. I'm certain for a first saw, new at full retail price, the Ridgid TS3650 is the best deal out there. In person, it appears every bit as well made as the Delta. (Obviously, HD doesn't set them up properly on the floor most times, so don't let the wobble fool you.) The bigger fence capacity is probably a minor advantage, although IMO sawing anything wider than 30" should use a sled anyway. They also appear to hold their value very well, used prices are high, so high in fact that it is hard to find a deal on one.
So even as a Delta owner, if you are convinced to buy new, I'd offer that the Ridgid seems to be the best deal out there. You can always buy more saw for more money, but this one hits the first saw feature-quality-price point perfectly all things considered.
PS: I have to say, used (craigslist) is always the best deal. You must consider that the tremendous discount is slightly offset by the risk of not having a warranty. But if you check it out well before you buy (1 hour minimum of poking and proding), the worst thing that would likely happen is that you'd need to shell out another $150-200 for a new motor. (I personally just experienced this exact scare with a 6" Delta jointer purchased off craigslist--turned out to be a false alarm.) Power tools seem to me a lot like cars, as soon as you drive them off the lot their market price is reduced by half, even though nearly 100% of their true usefulness remains. Why pay retail price unless you have money to burn?
