jomonhifi
The SF Amati traditions are well worth the (large) difference in price. However, be aware that to hear what they are truly capable of requires a very good preamp, amp and speaker cables. I have had my Amati's for about two years. When I recently upgraded to Rogue Audio Apollo Dark mono amps I was amazed (shocked) to suddenly hear deep, clean bass (I had up then believed the SF lacked deep bass-- wrong!), even more articulate treble and mid, wider and deeper sound stage. The change (from the Rogue Stereo 100 to the Apollos) clearly demonstrated that the SF Amati's have far more capability than my system could produce.
I have listened to the Wilsons (the Sasha, Alex, etc), driven by SS Boulder or DanAg amps, multiple times at the dealers . They are indeed very articulate, precise. But compared to the SF, they are not as "engaging". I find the Wilson's dry, technical rather than musical. I get tired of listening to the Wilson's, but never to the SF. The SF Amati's are not overly warm, but present the timbre and character of the music in a more engaging manner. (Note I listen to classical and jazz only and this may well be why I prefer the characteristic sound of the SF vs the Wilson's)
I am about to upgrade my Rogue RP7 preamp to the Rogue RP9. I expect the Amati's to readily "step up to the plate" and hit the ball out of the park.
