I just picked up a one year old Beretta 686e Sporting 12ga. Seems like a nice gun. I shot it for my lesson last weekend. It is with a gun smith who is changing the stock to an adjustable comb.
I've shot a Cynergy borrowed from my instructor before and the Beretta felt like a better gun to me. Not sure I can say why.
Shoulder the guns you are interested in. If you are new, I would strongly recommend taking lessons or getting someone who understands shotgun fit check the guns out with you. If possible shoot them. Join a club and see if anyone there is selling a gun.
I shouldered the 725 and it seems like a nice gun also.
Not sure where you are located but around the GTA, Uxbridge Shooting Sports is a GREAT club for clays and the manager Doug Baker is an awesome instructor.