I just bought a Basso (ZER) that was a perfect fit for me (after getting a fitting). I had other choices and Marinoni was at the top of the list. I met with Mike Barry recently and he had a few Marinoni models for me to look at.

The build quality is amazing and the fact that you can have it custom built and even select the scheme and paint you want direct from Marinoni is a big plus. I won't discount that group sets and such are important (along with price) but I wasn't as hung up on them as I was on getting a bike that fit me properly.

I would get a fitting and see what a custom frame and certain component sets would cost you, then work out a deal that you're happy with. That's what I did with the Basso and I'm very happy with what I paid for it, the overall quality, and how it rides. And I'm totally new to a road bike as well.