My initial impression of the Verdi was that it lacked the emotion of the Windigo, so I guess the cost of emotion is $550 since that is how much more the Windigo costs than the Verdi. Emotion isn't the only area in which the Windigo trumps the Verdi, but I found the Verdi to be detailed with good bass and a clear open midrange. Although the midrange can sound a little metallic at times, the background was coal black and the whole presentation was balanced top to bottom with a good sound stage, width and depth. Impressive.