Fight-stick recommendations?

Hey guys, I'm looking to purchase a fightstick pretty soon but I'm sure what would be a good first purchase.
If possible I would like to keep it as inexpensive as possible.
I was looking at the new madcatz alpha but with the 6 button layout, I'm not sure how that would workout with supers and ultras.
Can anyone give me some other recommendations or explain how the 6 button layout would workout?