We, Tinymite and I, bought a Raliegh Companion tandem as an entry level tandem. Six months later we got a great deal on a very gently used Cannondale RT3000. We're hooked, too.
Everyone talks about getting a bike that fits right. Good fit is, in my opinion, even more important when it comes to a tandem. Test ride whatever and whenever you can. You're shopping for two.