versus
versus
IMHO - Prestige wise, I'll go for the Italian Beauties. For Classical, Jazz, Acoustic & Vocals, still SF is my bet. In few years time say in Audiogon or even here in PDVD, you will find individuals who will start selling their ACs & MAs, but very few you will find selling their SF unless you are lucky to come across with.
My Analogy is like below:
Aurum Cantus =
Jianghuai Automobile Company-JAC Motors (Originally Made in China)
Sonus faber =
Lamborghini (Proudly Made in Italy / company is now owned by AUDI-Volkswagen, Germany)
Monitor Audio =
MG Rover / Lotus / Jaguar (British Brands but Made in China, Malaysia & India)
So you decide which way / brand to go....Good luck