They do represent a significant step up in component quality. The Linus Arrays have $20 woofers and $25 tweeters; the XT8's have $100 woofers and $120 tweeters. The result is greater power handling capacity, which translates to greater dynamics when you crank up the power, greater bass extension, much better sounding midrange, and far greater treble resolution. I had built a pair of two-way speakers before (the Eros MKII) using the Vifa PL series woofers ($70ea) and was impressed by the difference in bass and midrange clarity betweeen the the PL series and the less expensive TC series woofers that are used in the Linus array. Very much like stepping up from a good jug wine to a vinter's reserve. And the XT series woofers in the XT8's are a small step above the PL. The Fountek ribbons are almost in a class by themselves. To my ears they are as good as the best fabric dome tweeters such as the Scan Speak Revelators ($200+ ea) and the Magnepan 3.6 ribbon tweeters, plus they offer the sensitivity that's needed (98dB) to work in a line array.