I happen to have heard these 2 models, but I'm not sure I can help: system circumstances were far different from what you describe (hi def home theatre/ music set-up, class A amplification, front spkrs. We used a simple sacd player for the music).
Here's my impression: neither blew me away. The new model is better on sound fx, but not necessarily on music as a whole (listening to a music vid OR a plain sacd in stereo).
Just to give a ref point: neither compares favourably with the new mid-level Utopia.
What I'm probably saying in a roundabout way is, keep your Alto for now (or purchase the equivalent new Utopia)!
Here's my impression: neither blew me away. The new model is better on sound fx, but not necessarily on music as a whole (listening to a music vid OR a plain sacd in stereo).
Just to give a ref point: neither compares favourably with the new mid-level Utopia.
What I'm probably saying in a roundabout way is, keep your Alto for now (or purchase the equivalent new Utopia)!