On separate occasions I had several chances to hear the above systems that Merrill discussed.
I liked both very much but I liked the Sanders more for several reasons.
1) Bass! For me without it you loose the impact of the music. Not on all songs of course.
2) Better transparency and detail, both micro and macro.
3) There was more "you are there" and the instruments timbre was better.
4) Foot print and room integration.
Now some of this was very small margins.
I also agree with Merrill on his observations.
As Merrill said the one down side (as an expense) of the Sanders is the need to bi-amp with the active crossover.
PS When I heard both systems it was when the owners were demoing Merrill's Veritas amps. I heard the systems with both their own (ARC and Sanders)and the Veritas. Regardless which speaker you end up with do yourself a favor and get the Veritas amps, if budget permits. Otherwise start saving your pennies.