More bang for my buck? Epiphone SG-Spec or ESP Ltd. EC-10?

I can definitely vouch for ESP's build quality over an Epiphone. I own a higher end Epi, and it is ok, but i have played some ESP/LTD's and they are comparable, or better for the same, or lower price. Unfortunately, you are looking at the bare bones models, which will not have much difference, because all the corners possible have been cut in build quality in order to make it affordable. I say you should save for a higher end ESP/LTD. You'll thank me in a year, I promise you.